Whiplash (medicine)

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Whiplash
File:Lateral neck X-ray of whiplash.jpg
Synonyms Cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) syndrome
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Orthopedics, Neurology, Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Symptoms Neck pain, headache, dizziness, shoulder pain, back pain
Complications N/A
Onset Sudden onset
Duration Days to weeks, sometimes longer
Types N/A
Causes Motor vehicle collision, sports injuries, falls
Risks Previous neck injury, high-speed collision
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis Cervical fracture, cervical disc herniation, concussion
Prevention N/A
Treatment Pain management, physical therapy, rest
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies, some may have chronic symptoms
Frequency Common in motor vehicle accidents
Deaths N/A


File:Whiplash.png
Whiplash

Whiplash is a non-medical term describing a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck[1] associated with rapid acceleration-deceleration forces. It occurs most commonly in motor vehicle accidents. The term "whiplash" was first used in 1928, and despite its not being a medical term, it is commonly used to describe a range of injuries.

Signs and symptoms[edit]

The symptoms reported by patients that are associated with the whiplash mechanism of injury include:

Causes[edit]

Whiplash is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, usually when the vehicle has been hit in the rear.[3]

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of whiplash is usually made on the basis of the patient's history and the clinical examination.[4]

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of whiplash is usually conservative and includes:

See also[edit]

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  1. ↑ "Scientific monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders: redefining "whiplash" and its management".Spine.April 1995;20(8 Suppl)
    1S–73S.doi:10.1097/00007632-199501001-00001.PMID:7604354.
  2. ↑ "A review and methodologic critique of the literature refuting whiplash syndrome".Spine.January 1999;24(1)
    86–96.doi:10.1097/00007632-199901010-00022.PMID:9921598.
  3. ↑ "A review and methodologic critique of the literature refuting whiplash syndrome".Spine.January 1999;24(1)
    86–96.doi:10.1097/00007632-199901010-00022.PMID:9921598.
  4. ↑ "A review and methodologic critique of the literature refuting whiplash syndrome".Spine.January 1999;24(1)
    86–96.doi:10.1097/00007632-199901010-00022.PMID:9921598.
  5. ↑ "A review and methodologic critique of the literature refuting whiplash syndrome".Spine.January 1999;24(1)
    86–96.doi:10.1097/00007632-199901010-00022.PMID:9921598.

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