title: Simple whiplash?
abstract: 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.
authors: Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Scartho Road, Grimsby DN332BA, UK. chika@doctors.org.uk
authors: C E
authors: CE
authors: Uzoigwe
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Shabani
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Chami
authors: M
authors: M
authors: El-Tayeb
mesh_terms: 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*