Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher is reported to be in critical condition and in an induced coma following a skiing accident earlier today.
Local media is reporting that Schumacher was skiing in the French Alps when he fell and hit his head on a rock. Although initial reports said the injury was not serious and that Schumacher was conscious and talking, he has since been admitted to hospital and placed in an induced coma.
Former Formula One doctor Gary Hartstein has been giving a breakdown of exactly what is involved with this kind of head injury and induced comas on Twitter:
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It’s quite well known that extradural hematomas, a kind of cerebral hemorrhage, can leave a lucid interval after injury.
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Then as the hematoma forms, the sudden increase in pressure causes sudden and dramatic symptoms. Pressure must be relieved rapidly.
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This is done with a neurosurgical intervention. Then the victim is observed in an ICU environment.
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Quality of recovery depends on: 1) severity of initial injury 2) acuteness and amplitude of pressure rise when hematoma forms…
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3) rapidity with which it is drained 4) quality of neuro intensive care and rehab.
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About the “induced coma”. Lets demystify it just a bit. Any severe head injury leads to a loss of coordination of tongue and throat muscles.
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Happens to some when they sleep – called SNORING. But this is reapiratory obstruction and causes CO2 to rise and oxygen to fall.
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But the brain wants oxygen and hates CO2. So we put tubes in these patient’s tracheas and use reapirators. This protects the airway
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And gives excellent control of ventilation and oxygenation. But to intubate someone, he or she needs to be pretty deeply anesthetised.
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Taking off my doctor hat now, to tell Michael to get better. And that we’re all pulling for you Champ.
OVERSTEER wishes Michael Schumacher all the best for a quick recovery and our thoughts are with him and his family . Get well soon Champ.
