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Shaw Chiropractic WHIPLASH NECK INJURIES According to V. H. Frankel in his paper on the Pathomechanics of Whiplash Injuries of the Neck, a deceleration injury is a traumatic incident. Characteristics usually include a rear-end collision while the driver or passenger is waiting for a red light to change. Other very typical aspects are that most accidents occur in the morning and are under 15 miles per hour in speed. Usually after the car is hit, there is a lag period before the neck of the victim hyperextends and then with the recoil of the seat a second hyperextension occurs. If restraints are not used, the head may undergo direct impact of some part of the vehicle. COGNITIVE DEFECTS Dr. Arthur Croft describes this phenomenon of the Whiplash injury which is often ignored. This disorder may occur concurrently with the Post Concussive Syndrome. He reports that he has suspected mendacity or at least embellishment of some physical and psychological complaints. After Dr. Croft was involved in an accident, he discovered that his complaints included headaches, fatigue, serious memory and concentration problems, insomnia, and several other of the myriad of symptoms commonly seen in Post Concussive Syndrome. Since most physicians are reluctant to ascribe much significance to such symptoms, there is little reference to this medical issue in the literature. Three new studies have validated this aspect of whiplash injury. Radanov et al. studied 51 patients injured by cervical hyperextension and found two distinct syndromes arose: 1-The Cervicoencephalic Syndrome in which there were headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, disturbed accommodation and impaired adaptation to light. 2-The Lower Cervical Spine Syndrome which is primarily composed of neck and upper extremity pain. In a related study, Radanov et al. found that long term cognitive function is impaired in 32% of the cases, particularly in the older patients. In related studies Bohnen et al. reported information processing problems and memory problems. It is important to remember that symptoms of Whiplash and the Post Concussive Syndrome may be similar to those of the Chronic Pain Syndrome. A distinguishing feature of PCS is that it occurs almost immediately after trauma. If the PCS does occur, a referral to a neuropsychologist or a psychologist who specializes in trauma may prove very beneficial to the patient. If there is a permanent psychological impairment as a result of the injury, the psychologist may render an impairment rating and prognosis for future medical/psychological treatment and needs. WHAT TO EXPECT OF THE DOCTOR 1. FIRST ATTENDING PHYSICIAN'S REPORT
DONE IMMEDIATELY.
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