Leon Tsoukernik has reportedly regained consciousness following a suspected drug overdose. Doctors say his recovery is far from done.
The 51-year-old high-stakes poker player was rushed to hospital in a critical condition on Monday following his collapse at home in Chodová Planá, Czechia.
It was reported that the former casino owner had overdosed on a drug called propofol — the same powerful anesthetic that was responsible for the death of pop star Michael Jackson.
Leon Tsoukernik Facing a Long Road to Recovery
Doctors at Na Homolce Hospital who are overseeing Tsoukernik’s care said he woke up after 40 hours in a coma, but explained that he is not out of the woods just yet.
A hospital neurologist said:
“There was a risk that Tsoukernik would not be able to wake up, but we succeeded. He is far from done, and it may happen that he will never be the same again.
“The patient may not be able to perceive, speak, or move. It is a matter of how much his brain is damaged. An MRI scan of the brain can tell us how the situation will develop.”
Information about who administered the drug has not become public but local police have initiated a criminal investigation into a third party.
The intravenous anaesthetic should not be available outside of a hospital due to potential complications such as severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Poker player Cody Daniels, who came to poker fame for his brave performances at the World Series of Poker while battling terminal cancer, explained just how powerful propofol is.
“Propofol isn’t accessible outside hospitals unless you’re MJ [Michael Jackson] and Have a boatload of money. I’ve had it administered upwards of 400 times. Renders you unconscious within 8 seconds for surgery. Hope it’s not true”
The global poker community remains hopeful of the best possible outcome for Leon Tsoukernik who is one of poker’s most influential characters.
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