Persistent symptoms after whiplash injuries implications for prognosis and management.
The incidence of whiplash injuries of the neck has been increasing in recent years as a result of the use of seat belts, changes in automobile design, and growth in traffic loads. Physicians see many patients with this problem, a significant proportion of whom suffer from persistent symptoms. Many patients present a puzzling array of cognitive, neurologic, and musculoskeletal symptoms that challenge the clinician and are further confused by legal and compensation claims. Management is based almost completely on empirical approaches, and much research is needed to clarify this neglected problem. This article reviews and attempts to analyze the current information about the epidemiology, etiology, management, and prognostic issues of persistent whiplash injuries.
Curtis
P
P
Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Spanos
A
A
Reid
A
A