Jules Bianchi, the operation and its consequences

After his serious accident at Suzuka, Jules Bianchi was immediately picked up and taken to hospital. The first information confirms a long operation in the brain, touched after the shock. What is the purpose of such an intervention? Our consultant, Dr. Alain Simon, makes the point.

Edema or hematoma? 

The official communication from the FIA ​​and relatives of Jules Bianchi was very evasive, citing a "serious head injury". Therefore, several hypotheses are possible. 

"After a violent shock, the brain receives a sudden, like a muscle. In this case, the liquid can come out of normal circulation systems and spread. It can take two possible forms. Cerebral edema is a bleeding issue. Liquid is spilled in the brain and it can compress, creating disturbances and affect neurological function. In this case, the procedure in an attempt to depressurize the brain. 

A hematoma is different. This also results from a kick but it does not broadcast. This corresponds more to a pocket formed in the body. It's like a hematoma in a muscle with a blood bag. There, it can be evacuated. With all the tools we have today, we can pinpoint the location of the pocket and try to puncture. It is the purpose of the operation. If doctors spotted bruising in the brain of Jules Bianchi, they could try to puncture damage control. "

It is too early to know exactly the damage in the brain of Jules Bianchi and the success or failure of the operation. Nevertheless, the French pilot would not have been placed on life support, which would be rather "good sign": "It means that everything is working normally. Vital functions - breathing, heart rate ... - are operational. "

But as so often in these accidents to the head, "the first consequence is the loss of consciousness." Jules Bianchi was very unconscious after the accident. "In medicine, it is estimated that the loss of consciousness is" brief "below 3 months. Beyond this period, there necessarily has consequences. This is the case for example of Michael Schumacher. It's impossible that so without sequelae. Below 3 months, according to the success of the operation and the damage in the brain, all hopes are. "General Hospital Mie, or had surgery Jules Bianchi, will not communicate until Monday. We will know more about the health of French.