Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 24, 1994 TAG: 9408240063
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, MICH. LENGTH: Medium
``Although I would take these as very encouraging signs, he still remains in terms of brain and neurological injury in critical condition,'' said Dr. Errol Erlandson, a vascular surgeon at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital near Ann Arbor.
``Setbacks and complications are certainly a possibility. A slow, progressive recovery would be the best we could look at at this time.''
Erlandson said he was encouraged that the hospital's trauma team has not found any additional injuries since Irvan was brought in after his car slammed into a wall during practice Saturday for the Goodwrench Dealers 400.
Irvan sustained head and lung injuries in the crash and remained on a ventilator Tuesday. His lung injury has stabilized, Erlandson said. Irvan began opening his eyes Monday afternoon after drugs given him were decreased and he responded with some body movements Monday evening.
Irvan is able to move his arms, legs and head and also to grimace. The ventilator prevents him from trying to talk, however, Erlandson said.
The only surgery done so far has been a minor procedure to make it easier for Irvan to breathe. There are no immediate plans to try to move Irvan to a hospital closer to his home in Rockwell, N.C.
Irvan, 35, and one of NASCAR's top drivers, was traveling 176 mph when he struck debris that cut a tire and sent him into the wall. NASCAR has completed its investigation without videotape.
Brian VanDercook, spokesman for Irvan's racing team, said an announcement about the Yates racing team is expected today.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB