Michael Schumacher Awake Six Months After Coma, Leaves Grenoble Hospital
Six months after falling into a coma, Michael Schumacher is awake and on his way home. The good news brought joy and encouragement to millions of Schumacher’s fans, but his doctors cautioned the World Champion race driver still faces a long, arduous recovery.
Schumacher sustained life-threatening injuries in December of 2013 while skiing in the Alps on a family vacation. His original prognosis was grim and doctors placed him in a medically induced coma to reduce the pressure on his brain.
While Schumacher is still under constant medical care, the seven-times Formula One champion is able to see and speak, according to reports, and will continue his rehabilitation out of the hospital.
His manager and spokesperson Sabine Kehm confirmed the happy news for fans who have been praying and waiting for the recovery of the racing great.
Kehm issued the following statement Monday:
“Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore. His family would like to expressly thank the excellent work of all physicians, nurses, carers and therapists in Grenoble in the past months, as well as thanking the first responders on the scene of the accident. The family thanks to all the people who sent so many good wishes Michael. You have really helped him. For the future we ask for understanding that his rehabilitation will take place outside of the public eye.”
Even though there was encouraging news when the Schumacher family and Kehm last discussed his health in April, saying he had “some moments of consciousness and awakening,” they were cautious. At the time, Kehm shut down any suggestions that Schumacher was out of the woods.
On Monday, Kehm was clear about reports regarding Michael Schumacher’s progress while he undergoes rehabilitation in the coming months. The rep warned reporters who falsely spread rumors about his condition in the future and once again stated the only official information will come from her.
However, this has not prevented reports regarding Schumacher’s medical condition to come out. A report from his native Germany states the 45-year-old is able to communicate with his wife Corinna and children, Gina Marie, 17, and Mick, 14 — who was with him when he suffered the skiing accident.
There has also been information stating the Michael Schumacher lost one-quarter of his bodyweight while on the coma and had daily massages of his muscles and joints to prevent atrophy. However, this is not official as Kehm has not discussed any details of his condition.
According to a report in the Mirror, Michael Schumacher was taken by ambulance to a private rehabilitation clinic near his home in Switzerland to continue his rehabilitation. His family spent almost every moment of the last six-months by his side, and they will continue to do so through the next phase.
Welcome home Schumi! The world wishes you a speedy and complete recovery.
[Image via Michael Schumacher/Facebook]
