Neurology of whiplash

Abstract

Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck which may result mainly from rear-end or side-impact motor vehicle collisions but also from diving or other mishaps [1]. Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is generally considered to be a soft tissue injury of the neck with symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness, headaches, cognitive and psychiatric disorders, dizziness, visual symptoms, paresthesias, and weakness. It is estimated that the incidence of whiplash injury is approximately 4 per 1,000 persons [2]. Although many persons involved in whiplash injuries recover quickly, between 4 and 42 % of patients report symptoms several years later [2, 3]. According to Quebec Task Force, late whiplash syndrome has been defined by the symptoms persistence for more than 6 months after the injury. Patients with neurological symptoms caused by whiplash syndrome are frequently referred to neurologists in everyday clinical practice.