Swiss Neurologist: Michael Schumacher's complete recovery highly unlikely

Michael Schumacher

A Swiss neurologist has dismissed all speculations about Michael Schumacher leading a normal life again, after suffering severe brain injuries during a skiing accident last year.

Dr. Erich Riederer told the swiss media that a complete recovery is highly unlikely. "He will remain an invalid all his life and will always remain dependent on the help of others," he told the Swiss online news site 20 Minuten.

Schumacher, 45, was on Monday transferred from Grenoble university hospital to a rehabilitation clinic in the Swiss city of Lausanne. He had spent nearly six months in a medically induced coma.

Riederer said that Schumacher had a long period of rehabilitation ahead of him as he had suffered "permanent" damage. "But first it is an incredibly positive message when someone wakes up after being in a coma for half a year. For him it is positive, but also for his family, this is hugely important," he said.

The neurologist said it would be a "success" if Schumacher managed to sit up unaided after three months and could operate an electric wheelchair within six months. He also speculated that the injured driver could be transferred again to a clinic for paraplegics in Nottwil near Lucerne.

His grim assessment mirrored the prognosis offered by the former Formula One physician, Dr Gary Hartstein who has claimed that Schumacher would never make any meaningful recovery from his head injuries.

During his 120 mile ambulance transfer on Monday from Grenoble to Lausanne, Schumacher was reported to have communicated by nodding. He was also said to have kept his eyes open for long stretches of the journey.