F1 champion Michael Schumacher remains critical but stable: spokeswoman

[News_Editor]

GRENOBLE, FRANCE (BNO NEWS) -- Retired German racing driver Michael Schumacher, the most successful driver in Formula One history, remains in a critical but stable condition after a skiing accident late last month, his spokeswoman said on Friday, rejecting speculative reports that he may never recover.

"Unfortunately I have to repeat that any information regarding Michael's health not coming from the doctors treating him or from his management must be treated as pure speculation," said Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm, responding to speculative media reports.

"I also repeat that Michael's family is very happy and confident with the work of the team of doctors treating Michael, and they trust them completely," Kehm said in an e-mailed statement, the first official update on the racing legend's condition in nearly two weeks. She added that Schumacher remains in a critical but stable condition.

Schumacher suffered serious head injuries on December 29 when he fell and hit a rock while skiing with his family on the slopes of the French Alps in Meribel. He has since undergone two brain operations and remains in a medically-induced coma at University Hospital in Grenoble, where doctors have said they will no longer provide medical updates for "the time being."

Corinna Schumacher, who married the Formula One legend in August 1995, on January 7 appealed for privacy in a brief statement sent out to journalists. "It is important to me that you take the pressure off the doctors and the hospital so that they can work in peace," she said. "Please have faith in their statements and leave the hospital. Please also leave our family in peace."

The couple, which is known to dislike the celebrity spotlight, has two children.

Earlier this month, around 100 fans traveled to the hospital in Grenoble to mark Schumacher's 45th birthday, projecting onto the side of the hospital building a message that read: "45. Schumi, stay strong! Keep fighting!" Some of the fans had traveled hours to show their support to the family.

In responses, Schumacher's family issued a brief statement that said: "The incredible sympathies shown today by the Ferrari Fans outside the hospital has utterly overwhelmed us and moved us all to tears. We are deeply grateful for it and also for all the heartwarming and heartfelt wishes for Michael to get well soon, which have reached us from all over the world."

Schumacher, with 90 wins, 68 pole positions, 75 fastest laps, 1354 points and seven world titles, is regarded by many as the greatest Formula One driver of all time. He first retired after winning the 2006 Italian Grand Prix but returned to Formula One in February 2010, only to retire for a second time after finishing in 14th position at the Brazilian Grand Prix in November 2012.

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[Mosha]

How long can he be kept in an induced coma, and recover with a reasonably functioning brain? My 2nd eldest brother had a triple cerebral aneurism last year. His heart stopped, but luckily someone with him knew cpr. His wife has to watch him like a hawk, to make sure he doesn't try to swallow anything he shouldn't.

[Mosha]

He's being brought out of his coma, now the waiting begins.

Edited January 31, 2014 by Mosha