A week after Sen. Mark Kirk suffered a stroke, doctors Monday said his condition has been upgraded to fair.
“Senator Kirk’s recovery is continuing," said Northwestern Hospital's Dr. Richard Fessler in a statement. "He is alert, talking and responding well to questions. He has been upgraded to fair condition and we are very pleased with his progress."
Two weekends ago doctors removed a four-by-eight-inch portion of his skull to relieve swelling in the senator's brain following an ischemic stroke. Kirk underwent a second round of surgery last week to relieve more swelling.
Doctors on Friday said the swelling has stabilized and Kirk was responding more rapidly to questions.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin visited with Kirk's family Saturday morning and said he's encouraged by the "prognosis and progress" of his friend and colleague.
