Michael Schumacher, the Formula 1 legend, is gradually being 'woken up' from a medically induced coma by doctors a month after his near-fatal skiing accident in the French Alps, according to L'Equipe, the French sports daily.
The news comes as Schumacher enters his fifth week of a medically induced coma, and there are fears he may remain in a 'persistent vegetative state' for the rest of his life even if the awakening treatment is successful.
Schumacher's spokeswoman asked the public not to pay attention to "speculation" but did not deny the report. Sabine Kehm, Schumacher's manager, did not deny the L'Equipe report, but urged fans to ignore anything other than official comments on his health.
"I am stressing again any statement regarding Michael's health not coming from the doctors treating him, or from his management, must be considered as speculation," she said. "I repeat, we will not comment on any speculation."
Surgeons have performed two operations to remove blood clots around Schumacher's brain. He has been kept asleep to reduce swelling. Seven-time world champion Schumacher, 45, has been receiving round-the-clock care in Grenoble Hospital since December 29 when he hit his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in Meribel, in the French Alps.
His wife Corinna, 44, with whom the champion has two children Gina Marie, 16, and Mick, 14, has remained at his bedside.
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