In extremely hot weather, many people prefer to swim in the sea or pools to cool off. Brain and Nerve Surgery Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Aycan stated that with the warming of the weather and the start of the swimming season, citizens are trying to cool off in the sea, lakes, ponds, dams, streams and irrigation canals.
BE CAREFUL ABOUT NECK INJURIES
Aycan, who warned that diving into shallow waters is risky, stated that one of the incidents that increases in frequency during the summer season is neck injuries that occur as a result of jumping into the water incorrectly.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE A STROKE EVERY YEAR
Aycan, who drew attention to the fact that thousands of people experience spinal cord paralysis due to neck fractures every year due to diving into shallow waters incorrectly, said, “During diving, rotation, hyperextension, (backward movement of the head) compression of the neck due to rotational movements can cause damages ranging from mild to serious in the spine and spinal cord located within. As a result of traumas, it can cause many pathologies ranging from cervical disc herniation, neck fractures in mild soft and connective tissue injuries, fragmented fractures, pressure applied by fractures to nerve tissue, spinal cord injury, permanent damage to nerves.”
“IT MAY LEAD TO SUDDEN DEATH”
Aycan, who explained that jumping into the water incorrectly causes two types of injuries to the neck, said, “The first is sudden pressure on the spinal cord and nerves located in the cervical spinal canal or damage to the spinal cord and nerves. The second is the disruption of the normal structure and alignment of the spine. Traumatic lesions that can occur when diving into shallow water can unfortunately lead to extremely severe clinical signs and symptoms, serious disabilities and sometimes sudden death. Intervention should be started correctly without wasting time and the person should be taken to the health center quickly. Such injuries are more common especially between the ages of 15-30.”
“THERE ARE 3-4 CASES EVERY MONTH”
The expert, who spoke about the importance of creating awareness, said, “Every month, 3-4 cases are brought to our center as a result of jumping into the water incorrectly. In June, July and August, when the weather gets really hot, this number increases to 5 to 10. Jumping headfirst into shallow water is very dangerous. Society needs to be informed. We can prevent such incidents by creating awareness.”
“THERE IS AN INCREASE IN CASES”
Aycan, who stated that they are racing against time to save the wounded brought to their center, emphasized that there has been an increase in such cases in recent years. Aycan stated that 2 out of 6 patients who could not use their arms and legs because they jumped into the water incorrectly this year were permanently paralyzed despite the surgeries.
Aycan, who asked those entering the water to be careful, said, “Although the spine has a flexible and strong structure, it should not be forgotten that sudden, uncontrolled, excessively challenging movements cause a difficult treatment process throughout life. A small carelessness can cause serious health problems and death. Everyone needs to be more aware and sensitive about this issue.” (AA)