Michael Schumacher Improving, Doctors Say, But No Prognosis Offered
Formula 1 racing champion Michael Schumacher is showing signs of improvement after being involved in a serious collision while skiing in the French Alps this weekend. Schumacher's family has gathered by his bedside, but while things are looking up, doctors still cannot offer a prognosis for his recovery.
"We cannot tell you any more about the future," Gerard Saillant, a surgeon and friend of the family told ESPN.
Schumacher fell and struck a rock while skiing; the helmet cracked but apparently saved his life. Right now he remains in a medically-induced coma while he continues to heal. He underwent a second surgery and is showing "surprising" signs of improvement.
"It looks like probably that initiating a corner, he was witting a stone which he had not seen and was catapulted down on a rock," manager Sabine Kehm explained. "That is extremely and very unfortunate… really very, very bad luck. Michael was not at high speed."
Friends and colleagues have voiced their care and support for Schumacher as he recovers. He officially retired from F1 racing at the end of last year's season. Adding to the concern from doctors is the fact that Schumacher previously fell off his motorcycle and suffered fractures in his head and neck; they worry that those injuries could be compounded by this latest incident.
Thankfully, Schumacher was able to receive prompt medical care, possibly saving his life in conjunction with wearing a helmet. According to doctors, the longer the delay in care after having a serious head injury, the higher the likelihood of fatality. Many may remember the case of actress Natasha Richardson, who fell while skiing and died just days later.
Richardson was not wearing a helmet on the beginner's slope during the lesson and seemed perfectly fine after the incident. She was seen laughing moments later and refused to see a doctor. Unfortunately, she began having headaches an hour later, was taken to the hospital, and died just two days later due to an epidural hematoma, which is a buildup of blood in the brain.
