Sen. Kirk released from hospital, moves to rehab center

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) was released from the hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation center Friday afternoon in the latest positive step as the senator recovers from a stroke he suffered nearly three weeks ago.

"Today Sen. Mark Kirk was transferred from Northwestern Memorial Hospital to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) where he will be under the care of Dr. Richard L. Harvey, Medical Director of RIC’s Center for Stroke Rehabilitation," Kirk's office said in a statement to reporters.

Kirk's new doctor said that the next few days will be spent developing a long-term rehabilitation strategy for the freshman senator.

“RIC’s team of experts will spend the next few days assessing Senator Kirk’s condition and developing a comprehensive, targeted rehabilitation program tailored to achieve the goals that will be established by Senator Kirk and his family," Harvey said in a statement. "The Senator has several pre-stroke factors in his favor that our research and experience demonstrate will foster a better recovery, including his relative youth, good general health and fitness, strong personal motivation, and high intelligence.”

The move is a positive step for Kirk, who has undergone a pair of surgeries since being admitted to the hospital. Earlier this week, doctors reattached a 4-inch by 8-inch section of Kirk's skull that had been removed to relieve swelling in his brain.

Doctors have been optimistic for Kirk's chances at a full mental recovery, though they have warned that he may lose some motor functions. 

Kirk was elected to the Senate in 2010, assuming the seat formerly held by President Obama.

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