Sharon's doctors worried about failure to wake up

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon remained comatose and in a critical condition today, nine days after his stroke.

Israeli media said his doctors were increasingly concerned about his failure to regain consciousness after sedation was eased.

Israel TV’s Channel 10 and Israel Army Radio quoted Hadassah Hospital officials as saying they are worried Sharon still showed no signs that he was waking up from his induced coma.

However, Hadassah spokesman Ron Krumer said there is no firm timeline for when Sharon should open his eyes. “This is something that differs from one patient to another,” he said.

The hospital plans another neurological evaluation today, including tests of blood pressure, intracranial pressure and reaction to pain stimulation.

Sharon was put in an induced coma after his January 4 stroke, but in recent days doctors have gradually weaned him off the sedatives. Doctors have reported only slight improvement in Sharon’s condition in the past several days, centring on small movements of limbs in response to pain.

A brain scan Thursday showed the remnants of blood in his brain have been absorbed, the hospital said. In response, doctors removed a tube they had inserted into his skull to relieve pressure on his brain.

The longer it takes for Sharon, 77, to regain consciousness, however, the greater the concern about extensive brain damage.

“If there was no brain damage, I would have expected him to wake up at this point,” said Dr. John Martin, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at University College in London. Martin is not involved in Sharon’s treatment.