Schumacher begins 'gradual awakening': sources

Michael Schumacher is slowly being woken from his medically-induced coma and is responding positively to treatment, a French newspaper reports.

The German Formula One champion has been in a coma since December 29 after a skiing accident in France in which he struck his head on a rock.

He is now in his fifth week of being comatose.

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Sources told the French sports newspaper L'Equip medical staff attending the seven-time world champion began a "gradual awakening" yet there are fears he could remain in a vegetative state even if the process is successful.

"After four consecutive weeks in a coma, Michael Schumacher has been placed, according to our information, in a phase of gradual awakening. It is a slow and uncertain process of return," the newspaper wrote.

But the awakening process can be arduous and a patient's final result often remain uncertain.

A spokesperson for 45-year-old Schumacher said claims about the racing champion remaining in a vegetative state are speculative.

"I insist again on the fact that any statement on the health of Michael Schumacher that does not come from the medical team in charge or his management is just speculation," the spokesperson said.

Source: L'Equipe
Author: Nicholas McCallum, Approving editor: Matthew Henry