Senator Mark Kirk in emergency sugery following stroke

[BenBurch]

Breaking news. Doctors say he suffered an ischemic stroke last night and they are doing surgery to relieve swelling of the brain stem.

 

[BenBurch]

Story link; http://mobile.chicagotribune.com/p....DL.w=&DL.d=10&DQ=sectionId%3A7221&DPS=0&DPL=3

 

[BenBurch]

Sun Times says he could have left side problems. I don't wish this on my worst enemy.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/101851...d-have-left-side-problems-after-a-stroke.html

 

[BenBurch]

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk is expected to recover cognitive functions but could have some physical impairment following a weekend stroke, the neurosurgeon who operated on the senator said today following three hours of surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Richard Fessler said Kirk was doing "quite well" after the surgery. A four-inch-by-eight-inch portion of his skull was removed to relieve pressure from swelling and he was under sedation as doctors managed the brain trauma, Fessler said, adding he was pleased with Kirk's response to the surgery.

The stroke occurred on the right side of the brain, meaning it likely will affect the left side of his body, the doctor said. A stroke on the left side would have affected his cognitive functions, including comprehension.

Chances for a full mental recovery were "good" but chances for a full physical recovery were "not great," Fessler said.

<SNIP>

http://www.latimes.com/news/politic...-mark-kirk-condition-20120123,0,1600438.story

Not good news at all. That they are discussing mental recovery says there was significant damage. He is fortunate to be alive.

I wish him a recovery that will astound his doctors.

 

[Unabogie]

My friend (who I am IMing with as we speak) had a massive stroke at 40 years old and survived. He definitely isn't the same guy, mentally, though. Strokes are a major deal. Let's hope BobTheCoward doesn't jump in here crowing for his immediate resignation.

Oh, wait, Kirk is a Republican, so no chance of that.

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Sun Times says he could have left side problems.

Makes sense, given that he's a Republican.

 

[BenBurch]

Republican or Democrat; We gave Giffords the chance, he gets it too.

 

[Alt+F4]

Sun Times says he could have left side problems. I don't wish this on my worst enemy.

Neither would I. My father suffered two major strokes (second one killed him). It's truly awful.

 

[BenBurch]

Makes sense, given that he's a Republican.

I didn't want to find that funny. Really I didn't.

 

[applecorped]

I didn't want to find that funny. Really I didn't.

So, how long until he resigns?

 

[BenBurch]

So, how long until he resigns?

I hope never. Realistically, I can't see how he will be able to function in the job for months and months. Still, control of the Senate does not rest on one vote, and his office will still be operating.

 

[BenBurch]

Doctors are saying that he is doing better than they hoped, but they still expect he may not regain his movement.

 

[Cain]

This kind of thing is terrible because it reminds me that I could have a stroke. Anyway, I hope he doesn't take as long to resign as white lady.

 

[BenBurch]

This kind of thing is terrible because it reminds me that I could have a stroke. Anyway, I hope he doesn't take as long to resign as white lady.

Why do you hope he'll resign?

 

[JoeTheJuggler]

Why do you hope he'll resign?

Really! Doesn't the ADA apply to Congress?

Kirk isn't expected to suffer any long term problems that would impair his ability to do his job.

 

[Sam.I.Am]

Really! Doesn't the ADA apply to Congress?

Kirk isn't expected to suffer any long term problems that would impair his ability to do his job.

Which is why I recently said this in the other thread (about Giffords)

I'd give it about 6 months to see if he can recover enough to GBTW just like I did with Giffords. Beyond that then yes, he should resign if he can't do the job. It has nothing to do with the little letter by his name.