Simple whiplash?
We describe a case of type-I Arnold-Chiari malformation in a 27-year-old woman who presented on two separate occasions with an apparent whiplash injury. She developed debilitating symptoms after two apparently low velocity vehicle collisions. MRI revealed a type-I Arnold-Chiari malformation. She was referred for consideration of neurosurgical decompression. Type-I Arnold-Chiari malformation is the downward herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. It is usually asymptomatic but may present after apparently insignificant trauma with a wide range of possible symptoms. The protean nature of its presentation and the similarity of the symptoms to those of a whiplash injury mean that it is easily overlooked. It is, however, important that it is detected early.
Uzoigwe
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CE
Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Scartho Road, Grimsby DN332BA, UK. chika@doctors.org.uk
Shabani
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Chami
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El-Tayeb
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D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*