London, December 17 : Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been in the hospital for four successive nights after the Milan attack, raising concerns that he may have suffered a long-term physical and psychological damage.

Massimo Tartaglia, an electronics engineer with mental problems had hurled a spiked marble and metal model of Milan cathedral at him at the end of a rally on the cathedral square.

Berlusconi’s doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, said that another 24 hours in the hospital would help him convalesce from continuing pain from the wounds to his face.

He is also suffering from the recurrence of chronic arthritis of the neck, apart from a broken nose and two broken teeth.

Zangrillo revealed that the premier is also having difficulty eating.

He suggested Berlusconi should ideally avoid stressful situations and temporarily stay away from work.

The Prime Minister’s brother, Paolo, said that his face was bandaged and he was “suffering a great deal”.

“He keeps turning from side to side in pain. His mood swings between distress and the desire to fight on,” Timesonline quoted him as saying.

However, Berlusconi may be discharged within 24 hours. (ANI)