Top Gear's Hammond could be 'back to old self' in six months

Richard Hammond's consultant neurosurgeon today predicted the TV star could be "back to his old self" within six months.

Stuart Ross was speaking after the Top Gear presenter was airlifted from Leeds General Infirmary, where he had been treated for eight days following his high speed crash in a jet-powered dragster.

The surgeon said: "He has had what I have already termed a significant brain injury. "There is no getting around that."

But Mr Ross said his patient was "doing well". And he added: "This period is unfortunately slow and difficult to get through. But there will come a time when he will get over the injury.

"He has to rest and allow his brain to recover and that takes time. I'm sure that once that period is over he will be back to his old self."

Asked when that might be, Mr Ross said "in about six months' time."

Mr Ross said that when Hammond was admitted to hospital, he was "responding reasonably well" and, although not fully conscious, was close to it.

He added: "I had the impression of someone who should be able to recover from this kind of injury."

Mr Ross said he did not want to reveal exact details of Hammond's treatment, but said that in similar circumstances a scan of the brain would be taken.

He said the concern was with the brain swelling, which often happens within the first few days of the injury.

Mr Ross said surgery and drugs were often used to combat swelling, but in Hammond's case this was not necessary.

He said: "I'm very pleased with his progress. Considering the potential injury he might have had, he has responded very well. He has made a very good recovery and I'm more than pleased that he has done well."

The neurologist said Hammond was now ready to go into the rehabilitation stage.