Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, who was admitted to Grenoble University Hospital in critical condition, underwent a brain surgery.
The German driver was skiing with his son on Sunday morning in the French Alpine resort of Meribel when he fell and hit the right side of his head on a rock. He was wearing a helmet, but doctors said it was not enough to prevent a serious brain injury. Doctors treating Michael Schumacher refused to predict an outcome on Monday saying they were taking his critical head injury “hour by hour” following a skiing accident.
Chief anaesthesiologist Jean-Francois Payen told reporters that Schumacher was still in a medically induced coma and doctors were focusing only on his current condition. “We cannot predict the future for Michael Schumacher,” said Payen, who is also in charge of Grenoble University Hospital's intensive-care unit. “He is in a critical state in terms of cerebral resuscitation,” he added. “We are working hour by hour.”
Gerard Saillant, a trauma surgeon who operated on Schumacher when he broke his leg in a 1999 race crash, was at the hospital as a visitor. He told reporters that Schumacher’s age — he turns 45 on January 3 — and his fitness should work in his favour.
But the Grenoble medical team was being very cautious about Schumacher’s prognosis. Working to relieve the pressure on his brain, they lowered his body temperature to between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius as part of the medically induced coma. The neurology team at Grenoble University Hospital is recognised as among the best in France and the hospital, in a city that is the gateway to the French Alps, sees a large number of skiing accidents every year.
The area where Schumacher was skiing is part of a web of trails that slice down through a vast and, in parts, very steep snowfield. Although challenging, the snowfield is not extreme skiing. The runs are broad and neatly tended, and the ungroomed area in between, known as off-piste — where the resort said Schumacher was found — is free of trees.
Report said Schumacher was conscious when first responders arrived, although agitated and in shock. But Payen said that after the fall Schumacher was not in a “normal state of consciousness”. He was not responding to questions and his limbs appeared to be moving involuntarily. He was airlifted to a local hospital and then later brought to Grenoble. Doctors said that stopover was typical and did not affect his condition.
His wife and other family members were by his bedside. Formula One drivers and fans rushed to wish Schumacher a quick recovery. Sebastian Vettel, for whom Schumacher was a boyhood idol, told German news agency dpa: “I am shocked and hope that he will get better as soon as possible.”
Ferrari, which Schumacher raced for, expressed its concern in a statement. British former world racing champion Jenson Button said posted that his “thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time. ... Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this.”
During his career, Schumacher won seven drivers' championships and 91 race wins. After initial success with the Benetton team, Schumacher moved to Ferrari and helped turn the Italian team into the sport's dominant force. After initially retiring in 2006, he made a comeback in 2010 and raced for three years with Mercedes.