Michael Schumacher Recovery Update: Racer Nods, Opens Eyes For Long Periods
About 25 weeks after Racing Legend Michael Schumacher has suffered from serious head injuries in a skiing accident in Meribel, France, there is finally a positive update about his condition. Several reports cited Sabine Kehm, his manager, announced he is no longer in coma, can nod and open his eyes for long periods.
Schumacher has been transferred from a Grenoble Hospital to a rehabilitation facility in University Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland where he will undergo an extensive rehabilitation. The hospital specializes in neurology and treatment of patients who have suffered brain injuries. Previously, had been in an artificial coma and underwent two surgeries after hitting his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in Meribel.
The Mirror reported the athlete had his eyes open during the 120-mile journey from the hospital where he had previously been in intensive care. He was able to communicate with his family and hospital staff by nodding. The Swiss hospital is only approximately 20 miles from the Schumacher's family home in Switzerland.
In attempt to protect the patient's privacy, ambulance staff were not informed of the high-profile patient's identity and were required to relinquish their mobile devices when they reached Grenoble Hospital to pick up Schumacher.
Schumacher is now 45 and has been in exceptional physical form before the accident occurred. He enjoyed a lengthy Formula 1 career where he won a record of seven driver's world championship titles. Scuderia Ferrari, the team where he won five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004, have been openly expressing their concern and support throughout this ordeal and mirrored by other personalities and companies in the racing and athletic community.
The Formula 1 athlete, despite being able to communicate through nodding, is still unable to speak. But his doctors hope he would be able to do so by the end of the summer. He is still being fed intravenously and still being aided by a ventilator during sleep. He can breathe on his own for extended periods while awake.