Schumacher may not regain consciousness

Paris, Jan 16: Seven-time

champion Michael Schumacher, who has been in a medically-induced following a skiing accident in late December, may never regain consciousness, say reports.

The German has been in unconsciousness for 18 days since injuring his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps on December 29. The coma means that oxygen to his brain is reduced, allowing him to make a speedier recovery.

However, the Daily Star reports that a German publication had quoted medical experts who said that Schumacher's condition is so grave that there is a chance he will not awaken, adding that doctors currently have no plans to try to rouse him from his coma.

The report mentioned that patients placed in comas are usually brought out of them before 14 days, adding that doctors gave Schumacher a fresh scan this week, with a neurosurgeon fearing that the long coma indicates serious brain damage.

French investigators, who are looking into the case, are attempting to determine responsibility in the accident, and are focusing on the retired racer's speed, as well as whether the limits of the ski runs next to the accident site were correctly marked.

Meanwhile, Schumacher's distraught family has requested media to 'leave them alone'.

Oneindia News
(With agency inputs)