It has been one month since Formula One legend Michael Schumacher suffered a critical brain injury in a ski accident in France. Although doctors say they are 'uncertain' about his future, fans continue to pray for his recovery.
December 29, Schumacher banged his head on a rock while skiing with his teenage son in the French Alps. He was rushed to hospital where doctors have kept him in an induced coma.
Since then the hospital officials have said nothing beyond that his condition remains 'stable' but critical.' However, two German news outlets said that Schumi might remain in coma for the rest of his life.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Schumacher was sedated and his body temperature cooled to about 35 degrees to ease the risk of further brain damage, but surgeons decided on the coma after operating on his brain.
Professor Gary Hartstein, Schumacher's chief medic between 2005 and 2012, and Colin Shieff, neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, told BBC that it was "virtually impossible" that the Formula One legend will ever recover.
"I think that it will have to be considered a triumph of human physical resiliency, and of modern neurointensive care, if Michael is able to walk, feed himself, dress himself, and if he retains significant elements of his previous personality." Shieff said that this was "extremely unlikely". "It is generally accepted that the longer a patient is in a reduced state of consciousness, the less likely they are to make a good recovery," he said. None of them is involved in treating Schumacher.
They also said that if Schumacher recovers he might have little awareness about the surroundings.
The former racing champion has received overwhelming support from fans across the world. Schumacher's family thanked them for their support. "We are deeply touched by all the messages to get well soon for Michael which still are being sent. That gives us strength. Thank you all so much!" a statement issued by Schumacher's wife and two children said, reported Mirror. "We all know, he is a fighter and will not give up!"
For Sebastian Vettel, the 26-year-old four-time world champion, the news came as a shock. "It's horrible, especially for his family and close friends not knowing what's going to happen," said Vettel, according to the Independent.ie. "In that regard I am still a shocked as everybody else and I pray and hope he will come back and the miracle will happen and he will be the person he always has been before."
