[Knowing the history and the life conditions of subjects with spinal cord lesions].

This study aimed at characterizing the victims of medullar lesion (LM) and their daily needs. The data were collected in Maringi, Parani, Brasil, from 32 subjects by using semi-structured interview. The results revealed that most of them (84%) were males, had low education level (71,9%) and, at the time of the accident, they found themselves within the economically active age group (19 to 38 years old). Concerning their daily needs, we have identified among them a higher independence for feeding, excreting and buccal and body hygiene, and a higher dependence upon moving. Taking care to meet the specific necessities of the subject with LM is a challenge for the health professionals.