- Japanese GP
Bianchi suffered severe brain trauma
Jules Bianchi's family has confirmed the Marussia driver suffered a diffuse axonal injury after his crash at the Japanese Grand Prix and remains in a critical but stable condition.
Bianchi's condition
- A diffuse axonal injury is one of the most common traumatic brain injuries, but can also be "one of the most devastating".
- Severity can vary over a wide range but the extent of Bianchi's injury has not been communicated at this time.
- Such an injury is usually the consequence of the forces of a rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head and affects the nerves in the brain.
- For a full explanation of the injury, click here
Bianchi is being treated at the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi and an FIA spokesperson said on Monday that he was critical but stable in intensive care. The update on his condition came on Tuesday, with Marussia distributing a statement on behalf of Bianchi's family.
The statement said: "This is a very difficult time for our family, but the messages of support and affection for Jules from all over the world have been a source of great comfort to us. We would like to express our sincere appreciation.
"Jules remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi. He has suffered a diffuse axonal injury and is in a critical but stable condition. The medical professionals at the hospital are providing the very best treatment and care and we are grateful for everything they have done for Jules since his accident.
"We are also grateful for the presence of Professor Gerard Saillant, President of the FIA Medical Commission, and Professor Alessandro Frati, Neurosurgeon of the University of Rome La Sapienza, who has travelled to Japan at the request of Scuderia Ferrari. They arrived at the hospital today and met with the medical personnel responsible for Jules' treatment, in order to be fully informed of his clinical status so that they are able to advise the family. Professors Saillant and Frati acknowledge the excellent care being provided by the Mie General Medical Center and would like to thank their Japanese colleagues.
"The hospital will continue to monitor and treat Jules and further medical updates will be provided when appropriate."
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