Diving in shallow waters and spinal cord injury: a preventive and educational approach <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to do a revision on studies involving diving accidents and spinal cord lesion. The lack of studies on this subject in Brazilian literature was also analyzed.
Methods: A revision of literature was done (MEDLINE, LILACS), Selected aspects were prevention of spinal cord injury and diving, education and preventive methods.
Conclusion: Spinal cord lesion caused by diving has an elevated world incidence and high rates mainly during summer. Healthy young male individuals are involved. There is a strong association with the use of alcohol. Preventive educational methods are of utmost importance to decrease the amount of new cases every year.
KEY WORDS: DIVING/injuries; SPINAL CORD INJURIES; ACCIDENT PREVENTION.