MICHAEL Schumacher fans have been given encouraging news the Formula 1 star could make a recovery after a medical expert urged them to not “give up hope”.
The German motor racing star, who turned 49 today, has been fighting for his life after a horrific skiing accident in the French Alps four years ago when he suffered catastrophic head injuries after hitting his head on a rock.
His family has closely guarded his privacy and released very little information on any possible recovery.
His condition is currently unknown, but it is believed he is being rehabilitated at his family home in Switzerland.
Professor Mark Obermann, Director of the Centre for Neurology at the Asklepios clinic in Seesen, Germany has given hope to Mr Schumacher fans, saying “they shouldn’t [give up hope]”.
Highlighting a new study he said there were good results for patients in a persistent vegetative state.
Prof Obermann said: “According to a Swedish study, between 30 and 40 percent of patients have regained consciousness within four years.”
Although he added that did not mean the patient will make a full recovery, he said: “Many can come back to life and see how their children and grandchildren grow up, what plans they have or what else happens in the family or in the circle of friends.”
He also emphasised the importance of Michael Schumacher's family love and care which played an important part in his recovery.
He said: “It is assumed that the patients are aware of more than we previously thought was possible.” He added things such as the touch of a hand by his wife or the voice of his daughter all play a part.
Although details are scarce it is believed he is being nursed back to health by Mr Schumacher’s wife Corinna, 48 as well as his children Gina Maria, 20, and son Mick, 18.
People have recovered from severe injuries in the past with Carola Thimm, 49, waking from a coma after five years and now leads virtually a normal life.
The then 36-year-old pregnant woman suddenly fainted while out for a walk. She had an aneurysm and fell into a vegetative state.
Ms Thimm said: "It was clear to me the whole time that I was very ill.
"But I did not know that I was in a coma. I was aware of everything that happened around me.”
Ms Thimm gave birth via caesarean section whilst in a coma with her daughter being initially brought up by her father.
After five years she started to show signs of reacting to stimuli and eventually regained consciousness.
She said: “My life is different today than it used to be, but it's still nice.”
The views of the doctor comes on the 49th birthday of F1 legend Schumacher.