Schumacher: Main points from press conference

Schumacher: Main points from press conference

PARIS - Following are the main points from the press conference at Grenoble University Hospital Centre Monday on Formula 1 star Michael Schumacher following his skiing accident in the French Alps.

- Schumacher "is in critical condition. One can describe it as life-threatening," said Jean-Francois Payen, head of intensive care.

- Schumacher was admitted with "major brain trauma," the hospital said. "His limbs moved spontaneously but he was unable to respond to questions," said neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes.

- Scans showed he suffered a serious blow to the right side of his head. He was immediately operated on to relieve bleeding and bruising in the brain.

- A post-operation scan showed "widespread lesions on both sides of the brain," according to Chabardes.

- He is currently in an artificial coma, reducing his temperature to around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) to reduce swelling and stop unnecessary brain activity that uses up oxygen. "Right now, our goal is to reduce all external stimuli and oxygenate his brain as much as possible," said Payen.

- Schumacher suffered a major blow to the head but was partially protected by his helmet, said Payen. "If someone had this type of accident without a helmet, they would definitely not be here."

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