Small improvement for Schumacher after 2nd surgery
By Associated Press
Dec 31, 2013 4:41 AM CST
FILE - In this March 12, 2010 file photo Mercedes Grand Prix driver Michael Schumacher of Germany is pictured in the garage after finishing the second practice session at the Formula One Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. Schumacher is being treated at a hospital in Grenoble after sustaining...   (Associated Press)

GRENOBLE, France (AP) — Doctors treating Michael Schumacher say the Formula 1 champion was showing surprising improvement that allowed a second surgery for head injuries he suffered during a ski accident, but cautioned that his brain still had extensive bruising.

Schumacher was skiing with his son when he fell and struck a rock Sunday in the French Alps.

"There are hematomes a little bit everywhere," said Dr. Emmanuel Gay, describing the extensive bruising throughout Schumacher's brain. But Gay said surgeons decided upon a second operation after Schumacher's unexpected, though small, improvement on Monday.

They offered no predictions Tuesday on whether or when they would bring him out of an induced coma, intended to relieve swelling.

"We cannot tell you any more on the future," said Gerard Saillant, a surgeon and friend of the family.