Doctors treating Zanardi to begin bringing him out of coma

The doctors treating Alex Zanardi have begun reducing his sedation in order to bring him out of his medically-induced coma.

The 53-year-old has undergone surgery on three occasions since he was airlifted to the Santa Maria alle Scotte hospital outside Siena on June 19th with head and facial injuries sustained in a handbike event nearby. Zanardi’s last surgical procedure took place 10 days ago, and he remains in intensive care.

A statement released by the hospital with the agreement of Zanardi’s family on Thursday said “the progressive reduction of sedo-analgesia has been started in these days.”

The doctors noted the effect of this change in Zanardi’s therapy will take time to become clear.

“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,” said the statement.

“Currently, the cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters remain stable, the neurological picture remains serious and the prognosis remains confidential,” it added.

The hospital intends to issue a further update next week on the condition of the former Formula 1 driver, two-times CART IndyCar champion and four-times Paralympics hold medal winner.

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