John Force is beginning to show daily improvement and respond to commands as he continues to recover from a crash that hospitalized him last weekend in Virginia.
John Force Racing released a new update Sunday morning in which they confirmed he had been heavily sedated from his injuries. Force was moved from the trauma intensive care unit to neuro intensive care unit Wednesday, and doctors continue to treat a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Force “failed to follow the series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities” in the days after the crash during which he received early treatment. He was able to “respond with slight movements” but the biggest improvements have come since being moved to the neuro intensive care unit.
“He became more consistent responding to commands and finally opened his eyes on day five,” the update read. “Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotions when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when promoted, gave a thumbs up.
“The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress. He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull. However, he recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, ‘I love you.’ This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits.”