Doctors treating Alex Zanardi say he remains in a stable but serious condition in hospital and that any attempts to remove him from an induced coma will not happen this week.
Zanardi underwent neurosurgery and maxillofacial surgery on Friday to treat a severe head injury that he sustained in a road collision while on his handcycle.
Zanardi was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of Siena’s University Hospital and placed in an induced coma.
On Tuesday morning the hospital’s latest medical bulletin confirmed he had spent a fourth night in the ICU with his cardio-respiratory and metabolic condition remaining stable.
“The neurological picture remains unchanged in its severity,” confirmed the hospital.
“The patient remains sedated, intubated and mechanically ventilated. Any reductions in sedoanalgesia, for the assessment of neurological status, will be considered starting next week. The prognosis remains confidential.”
Zanardi, 53, started 41 Formula 1 grands prix in the 1990s alongside a successful spell in the CART championship, winning the 1997 and 1998 titles.
Zanardi has competed in handcycling, taking gold and silver medals at the last two Paralympic Games, after undergoing a double leg amputation following an accident at the Lausitzring in 2001.
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