Schumacher latest: It may take months to get F1 ace out of artificial coma

DOCTORS began attempts to revive Formula 1 ace Michael Schumacher after a five-week coma this week.

Michael Schumacher, Formula 1, Ralf Schumacher, France, Skiing, Injured, Death, Condition, Stable, Meribel, Hospital, Grenoble, France CHAMPION: The Formula 1 ace is slowly recovering after his devastating head injuries [GETTY]

But, it may take months and several unsuccesful tries before he can wake safely.

The seven-time F1 world champion has been in the medically induced coma since his shock ski accident on December 29.

He may never fully recover, but doctors are continuing tests on his reflexes.

Schumacher is having his muscles massaged daily to stop them atrophying.

His sedation is being reduced slowly to bring him out of the coma, but this will take time.

Manager, Sabine Kehm, said in a statement: “Michael's sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take a long time.”

Shumacher's temperature was reduced to 34C to decrease the swelling in his brain.

L’Equipe newspaper reported that he is responding to instruction and blinked successfully during earlier tests.

Experts say the attempt to bring him out of his coma is a good sign.

Dr. Clemens Pahl, a brain trauma expert at King's College Hospital in London, told The Mail on Sunday: “It means they have probably seen the pressure in his skull reduced.

“It could be that swelling in his brain hasn't come to an end yet so they might need to increase the medications again.”

LOYA: Schumacher and his wife Corrina who hasn't left his side LOYA: Schumacher and his wife Corrina who hasn't left his side [GETTY]

Pahl added that it often takes several times to get someone out of a coma succesfully and safely.

Doctor’s will first have to check if he responds to basic commands and then find out if he can breath on his own.

Dr. Anthony Strong, an emeritus chair in neurosurgery at King's College London, added: “Doctors will want to see if he can say ‘hello', if he probe his recollection of events and to see if he can recognize family members and remember his own identity.”

Schumacher's family have not left the champion's bedside since he was admitted to Grenoble's University Hospital Centre following the ski crash.

The prognosis for the legendary sportsman looked bleak immediately after the crash but it now appears the man affectionately known as "Schumi" could wake up.

chumacher was put into the coma by doctors following operations to remove blood clots from his brain.

Investigators looking into the reasons why Schumacher, a vastly experienced skier, fell and smashed his head against a rock have ruled out faulty skis, poor signage or excessive speed. The impact of the collision was so great it split his helmet in two.

Schumacher, 45, was one of the most dominant drivers in Formula One history before retiring in 2012.

The legendary racer won more titles than anyone else in history and enjoyed 91 Grand Prix victories between 1994 and 2004.