Formula One driver Jules Bianchi remains in a "critical but stable" condition after suffering one of the most common traumatic and devastating brain injuries following his crash during Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.
A statement was released on Tuesday afternoon by Bianchi's team Marussia F1, on behalf of his family and the Mie General Medical Centre in Japan where he is being treated, to provide an update on the Frenchman's condition.
“Jules remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Centre in Yokkaichi,” the family statement read. “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.”
A diffuse axonal injury occurs in about half of all severe head traumas, according to BrainandSpinalCord.org, a resource for those seeking information on head and spinal injuries, but “instead of occurring in a specific area, like a focal brain injury, it occurs over a more widespread area”.
It is “one of the leading causes of death in people with traumatic brain injury”, BrainandSpinalCord.org says.
The statement expressed the family’s thanks for the messages received since the 25-year-old driver’s accident at Suzuka.
Bianchi crashed into a recovery vehicle after aquaplaning off the wet track.
The statement added: “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.
"We are also grateful for the presence of Professor Gérard Saillant, the 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 (Tuesday) and met with the medical personnel responsible for Jules’s 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.”
