Doctors say the Formula One star is no longer in a 'critical' condition but Richard Greenwood, a consultant neurologist at London’s Homerton Hospital, said the racing legend will be a ‘regular Joe’ if he recovers, as a result of his severe brain trauma.
Schumacher has been in a medically induced coma for nearly three weeks after suffering significant brain injuries in a skiing accident at the French Alpine resort of Meribel.
No return: If Michael Schumacher recovers from his brain injury he will be 'and average Joe Bloggs,' a top neurosurgeon has said
The champion was admitted to the University of Grenoble hospital on December 29 after suffering significant brain injuries after striking a rock while skiing off-piste.
Dr Greenwood spoke at a conference looking into the long-term effects.
‘If Schumacher survives he will not be Schumacher. He will be Joe Bloggs,’ said Greenwood.
‘His rehabilitation will only be effective if he comes to terms with being Bloggs, and fulfils what Bloggs can do. That’s a very, very difficult process to take people through, and many people don’t achieve it.’
Fearing the worst: German media has been
speculating that Michael Schumacher may never come out of his coma after
speaking to experts about the progress of his condition following his
skiing accident last month
Strain: Schumacher's wife Corinna (above) and
their two children have been maintaining a constant bedside vigil at his
hospital in France since his accident on December 29
Earlier this week, German media speculated that Schumacher may never wake from his current state.
'There may have been complications', said neurosurgeon Andreas Zieger of the University Clinic for neurosurgery in Oldenburg to Focus magazine.
'We should not speculate here. Ultimately, we are talking about life and death. A coma can in theory be maintained for a lifetime. It won’t hurt the human brain.'
However, the claims have been refuted by his management team in the first official update on his condition in over a week.
‘Unfortunately, I have to repeat any information regarding Michael’s health not coming from the doctors treating him, or his management, must be treated as pure speculation,’ Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm said.
‘I also repeat Michael’s family is very happy and confident with the work of the team of doctors treating Michael, and they trust them completely.
‘Michael’s condition is still considered as stable.’
More Melburnians receive neurology care at CNC Victoria than any other health system in the Melbourne city. We have the nation's leading neurologist who are engaging, innovative, experienced, and committed to providing exceptional outcomes for their patients.
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