Alex Zanardi will gradually be awoken from his induced coma, doctors treating the Italian have confirmed.
Zanardi collided with a truck while competing in a handcycling event last month and underwent neurosurgery and maxillofacial surgery, before being placed in an induced coma.
He underwent a third round of surgery earlier this month and has remained in a coma since.
His condition remains serious but stable, but it has been agreed that the 53-year-old will gradually have his sedation decreased in order to continue with the next step of his recovery.
“With reference to the clinical conditions of Alex Zanardi, hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit, the health management, in agreement with the family of the patient, informs that the progressive reduction of sedo-analgesia has been started in these days,” read a statement issued by Siena hospital.
“Following the reduction of sedation, it will take a few days for further evaluations of the patient by the multidisciplinary team that takes care of the athlete, to allow any continuation of his therapeutic and rehabilitative path.
“Currently, the cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters remain stable, the neurological picture remains serious and the prognosis remains confidential.
“Further information on Alex Zanardi’s health conditions will be released next week in agreement with the family.”
