CLINICAL WHIPLASH INJURY EXPLAINED IN FULL

Whiplash Injury is characterised by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck usually as a result of a sudden strain affecting the discs, muscles, nerves, or tendons of the neck caused by a sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head and neck usually occurring as a result of a road traffic accident. The head is violently thrown back, forwards or sideways followed by reflex contraction in the opposite direction. Swelling and inflammation occur due to damage caused by the rapid movement which leads to pressure being placed on the nerves often resulting in the classical symptoms of whiplash. Damage to the bones in the neck rarely occurs.

Symptoms following an accident may be present directly or may develop gradually over hours, days, or weeks after the injury. Pain and stiffness is caused by pressure being placed on the nerves as a result of tissue swelling which causes muscle spasms. Symptoms of injury may include

• Pain or stiffness of the neck, back, jaw, shoulders, or arms
• Headache and dizziness
• Whiplash injury psychological conditions including memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue and depression
• Loss of feeling, or burning or prickling in an arm or hand
• Nausea or vomiting
• blurred vision
• balance problems

Diagnosis is usually based on observation of symptoms, medical history, and a physical and neurological examination which is performed to evaluate the patient's general condition. The possibilty of a fracture causing the symptoms is usually eliminated by X-rays. Depending on the patient's symptoms, a CAT Scan, MRI, or other imaging tests may be necessary to assess the condition of the cervical spine's soft tissues including intervertebral discs, muscles and ligaments.

Treatment is usually by way of pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and physical therapy. Severe injury may be treated with a surgical collar, cervical traction and heat therapy. Rarely does the treatment of whiplash require surgery. Surgery is considered in severe cases involving persistent neck or shoulder pain. The pain may indicate a tear in an intervertebral disc which may have to be removed followed by fusion of the neck vertebrae.

Compensation. The amount of compensation payable for pain and suffering following an injury depends on severity, the recovery period, and whether or not there are any permanent residual long term symptoms. Further compensation is payable for financial losses caused as a result of the accident.

Medical History It is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible following a whiplash injury from either your General Practitioner or in more serious cases the Accident and Emergency department of your local Hospital. The medical record will used in part for the assessment of the value of your claim, and it is important that the injury is documented as soon as possible.