Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) underwent surgery today after suffering a stroke this weekend. A portion of his skull was removed to relieve pressure on his brain.
Chicago Tribune reported:
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk underwent surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to relieve pressure on his brain after suffering a stroke, and doctors say they are hopeful about his recovery.
“On Saturday, Senator Kirk checked himself into Lake Forest Hospital, where doctors discovered a carotid artery dissection in the right side of his neck,” his office said in a statement.
“He was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where further tests revealed that he had suffered an ischemic stroke,” it said. “Early this morning, the senator underwent surgery to relieve swelling around his brain stemming from the stroke. The surgery was successful.
“Due to his young age, good health and the nature of the stroke, doctors are very confident in the Senator’s recovery over the weeks ahead.”
Dr. Richard Fessler, the neurosurgeon who performed the surgery, said Kirk was beginning to “deteriorate neurologically” Sunday night and doctors decided they had to operate. A portion of his skull was removed to relieve pressure.
Prayers for his recovery.
