Mark Kirk Returns Home After Stroke

Three months after suffering a stroke, Sen. Mark Kirk is returning "home with family" to continue his rehabilitation, his staff said Thursday.

"We are happy to say that after suffering a stroke in January, Mark has progressed to the point where he can move home with his family," staffers said in a statement at the request of Kirk's family.

The Republican senator will continue to work on his recovery as an out-patient at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. As confirmed by the institute last month, Kirk has begun a "rigorous walking study program to further his mobility and independence" while maintaining a schedule with his staff. 

"We are grateful for the wonderful doctors and personnel at the RIC for their care of Mark, and to the residents of Illinois who have given him privacy and time to heal. We also thank everyone who has shared their prayers and wishes for his return to the U.S. Senate as soon as possible."

Kirk staffers last month released the first photo of the senator since his stroke. Dr. Richard L. Harvey gave him a good bill of health, calling him mentally sharp and fully engaged in all aspects of his rehabilitation program.

Kirk, 52, checked himself into Lake Forest Hospital on Jan. 21. Doctors discovered a carotid artery dissection in the right side of his neck, and he was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Further tests showed Kirk had suffered an ischemic stroke and he underwent surgery to relieve swelling around his brain.

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