Neurosurgeon Richard Fessler said Monday he was "very hopeful" that Republican Sen. Mark Kirk (Ill.) would maintain his ability to speak and understand after suffering a stroke on the right side of his brain.
"Fortunately the stroke was not on the left side of his brain, in which case it would affect his ability to speak, understand and think, so we're very hopeful that when we get through all of his recovery all of those functions will be intact," said Fessler at a press conference Monday.
Kirk's office said he suffered the stroke Saturday and underwent surgery on Monday to reduce swelling in his brain.
Fessler told reporters that the stoke could effect Kirk's ability to move left arm and left leg and could cause facial paralysis.
For more on the Illinois senator's condition on The Hill's Blog Briefing Room, click here.
