The process of bringing Michael Schumacher out of the coma has been started by the doctors, his manager said on Thursday.
In the French resort of Meribel on Dec. 29, the former Formula One champion suffered serious head injuries when he fell and hit the right side of his helmet on a rock, the Associated Press reported.
Since then, 45-year-old Schumacher has been in an induced coma in Grenoble University Hospital even though his condition stabilized following surgery after initially being described as critical.
According to the AP, doctors are now slowly trying to wake the seven-time F1 champion up.
"Michael's sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take a long time," Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, said in a statement.
In order to see if the swelling has gone down in the patient's brain, the sedation is being reduced. This will also help to assess what level of functions has been retained, the AP reported.
An update on Schumacher's condition was to only clarify media leaks, Kehm said. No other further details would be provided.
French newspaper l'Equipe first reported on Wednesday that doctors had started waking Schumacher.
"The family of Michael Schumacher is again requesting to respect its privacy and the medical secret, and to not disturb the doctors treating Michael in their work," Kehm said. "At the same time, the family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the worldwide sympathy. ... For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by the interested parties to communicate this information only once this process was consolidated. Please note that no further updates will be given."
To reduce swelling in the brain, its energy consumption and allow it to rest, Schumacher was being kept artificially sedated and his body temperature was lowered to between 93.2 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the AP.
Having a record of 91 race wins, Schumacher earned universal acclaim for his uncommon and sometimes ruthless driving talent. After garnering an unmatched seven world titles, he retired from Formula One in 2012.
Schumi, as his fans affectionately call him, was famously aggressive on the track and no less intense away from driving. In retirement, he remained an avid skydiver, horseback rider, and skier, the AP reported
On a family vacation in the Alps, the accident occurred when Schumacher was skiing with his 14-year-old son.
