Senator Johnson Sporadically Conscious

South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson has been conscious several times following his emergency brain surgery. He is currently being sedated, however. Doctors report being encouraged by his progress so far.

The South Dakota Democrat has made it through the first 72 hours since the Wednesday evening brain surgery, spokeswoman Julianne Fisher said, a benchmark that doctors consider a good sign for recovery. The senator remains in critical but stable condition, she added.

Fisher said the next "target" for doctors is to watch his progress over the next week.

The senator showed some signs of recovery late last week, responding to voices, opening his eyes and moving his limbs. But his long-term prognosis is still unclear.

Good news for him and his family so far.