Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is now communicating with his family by fluttering his eye-lashes, it was reported today.
The former racing driver is making such good progress he might be allowed home by the end of next month.
But he will still need round the clock nursing care as he battles to overcome life-threatening injuries he sustained in a horrific skiing accident.
It is understood that while Schumacher remains paralysed he is able to answer questions from his wife and children Gina-Maria, 17, and son Mick, 15, by fluttering his eyes.
Doctors at the clinic in Switzerland hope to have Michael sitting upright in an advanced electronic wheelchair that he can control via his mouth within a few weeks.
According to reports in Croatian media, doctors Darko Chudy and Vedran Deletis, who have developed a revolutionary microchip implanting technique, may plan to use it to help him.
It is believed the microchip may be able to help him to walk and talk again after his extended period in a coma.
Four months ago it was reported that his devoted wife Corinna had invested heavily in transforming parts of their mansion home in Gland into a medical centre.
A new building with no outside steps has been constructed on the grounds of the mansion:.
It is thought that this will be used as the long-term care home for Michael.
Some experts say that such home-care for a coma patient is unwise. But with an accumulated wealth estimated to be well over half-a-billion pounds, Schumacher’s family is well placed to provide the limitless care that will be needed in the coming years.
This will include physiotherapists, to massage his atrophying joints, doctors, nutritionists, nurses and neurological experts.
Her husband woke up from his medically induced coma last month after smashing his head on rocks while skiing on December 29 in the French Alps.
At the weekend Corinna penned a tribute to fans stating: “The German Grand Prix gives me the perfect opportunity to cordially thank you all for the good wishes and positive energies you keep sending to Michael. I have to say your sympathies blew us all away.
“It is good to know that together we made it through the hardest time.
“Now we are facing a phase which will presumably take a long time.”
The reports in a Swiss newspaper come as poignant get well messages from stars were disclosed.
Motor racing icon Niki Lauda wrote: “Michael, everyday I follow the news on your progress and every day I am close to you. I hope I will be able to talk to you very, very soon.”
Footballer Lukas Podolski said: “Please get well soon. Only the best, my friend.”
And German tennis hero Boris Becker added: “Let us all pray for Michael for a full and speedy recovery !!!”
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Source: Mirror