Small improvement for Schumacher but still critical

GRENOBLE, France -- Michael Schumacher underwent a second surgery after a brain scan showed small, "surprising" signs of improvement, but grim doctors said yesterday they could offer no insight into the prognosis for the Formula One champion and his condition remains critical.

Schumacher, who turns 45 tomorrow, suffered head injuries when he fell and struck a rock Sunday while skiing on a family vacation in the French Alps. His manager confirmed that the accident cracked his helmet, which doctors credited for giving him a chance at survival.-- AP