DHAKA: French doctors have started trying to bring Formula One legend Michael Schumacher out of his month-long induced coma.

His spokeswoman said Thursday, reports dawn.com.

The drugs used to keep Schumacher, 45, unconscious have begun to be reduced, though it may be some time yet before he comes to, the spokeswoman, Sabine Kehm, said in a statement.

‘Michael`s sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take long time,’ the statement said.

‘For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by the interested parties to communicate this information only once this process was consolidated. Please note that no further updates will be given.’

The spokeswoman asked the media to respect the privacy of Schumacher’s family and to not disturb the doctors treating him.

Schumacher has been kept in intensive care in a hospital in the central Grenoble University Hospital, where he underwent surgery following a December 29 ski accident.

Surgeons said he suffered bleeding and bruising in his brain and a scan showed ‘widespread lesions’.

It was unknown in what state he would be if the waking process is successful.

Experts said it was rare to keep a patient in an artificial coma for more than three weeks.

BDST: 1928 HRS, JAN 30, 2014