Michael Schumacher Communicating by Fluttering Eyelashes: Report

Legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher is reportedly communicating with his family by fluttering his eyelashes. The five-time world champion, who recovered from coma last month after a near-fatal skiing accident, is currently undergoing rehabilitation in a Lausanne clinic.

According to a report in UK's Mirror, Schumacher has shown signs of further progress and is batting his eyelashes to correspond with his family members. It is a sign, doctors treating him say, that he can soon be discharged and allowed to return home where he will take up residence in a medical suite built by his wife Corinna. (Also read: Schuamcher's wife thanks fans, well-wishers for their support)

Doctors have further said that the 45-year-old former racer may be able to sit upright in a few weeks. He is likely to be mobile to an extent as well, in an advanced electronic wheelchair that he can control through his mouth. These are vital improvements as many neurological experts had earlier given up hope due to his prolonged state in induced coma.

Schumacher has been fighting hard to make gradual recovery after an unfortunate skiing accident on December 29 that shattered his ski helmet, leaving him with a seriously injured head. After the initial shock, the world united to pray for and wish him a speedy recovery. His agent - Sabine Khem - had previously said that Schumacher will be under medical supervision at all times. She had also informed when Schumacher was discharged from a Grenoble hospital - where he was treated for almost six months - that his recovery would be a very gradual process.