- A whiplash injury can occur in virtually any fall, collision, or accident
- In the case of prolonged symptoms, the most common physical complaints are neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and various balance disorders, including dizziness and rarely vertigo
- Individualised and expert neurological rehabilitation can usually treat prolonged symptoms
Whiplash Injury leading to dizziness
Whiplash injury and whiplash are collective terms for neck injuries caused by sudden acceleration and deceleration forces acting on the neck. The injury occurs because the neck, which supports the head, does not have time to activate and is unable to slow down the sudden movement.
The most common mechanism of injury in everyday life is a rear-end collision, in which the sudden movement of the head can cause injury to the joints, muscles, connective tissue, and, in more serious cases, the nerves. In principle, however, all falls and collisions can cause similar injuries, some of which appear mild; yet, in some cases, the symptoms persist and manifest as multidimensional physical and mental symptoms.
Symptoms Following a Whiplash Injury
The symptoms following whiplash injury can be very diverse. In milder injuries, the neck and head can be sore and normal movement can be restricted due to muscle spasms caused by overly forceful stretching. In mild cases, the symptoms usually disappear within a few days. Nonetheless, it is essential to monitor that other physical and mental functions also return to normal, as various other symptoms typical of prolonged whiplash injuries may occasionally appear, sometimes even weeks later. In such cases, the central nervous system (including the brain, brain stem, and/or spinal cord), nerves, and/or blood vessels have suffered some degree of damage, which can lead to a wide variety of prolonged physical and psychological symptoms.
The most common physical symptoms in prolonged whiplash injuries are
- Rocking, falling, and ship-deck-like dizziness
- Impaired balance, motor skills, and coordination
- Constant mild neck, shoulder, and/or head pain
- Numbness/tingling/referred pain in the hands and forearms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Impaired reaction time
- Impaired tolerance to bright lights and loud noises
- Difficulty focusing the eyes
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Risk Factors for Developing Prolonged Symptoms in Whiplash Injury
- Previous neck injuries and/or concussions (mild traumatic brain injury)
- Severe symptoms immediately after the injury
- Existing headaches or balance problems prior to the injury
- Psychological factors and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and/or depression
- Underlying conditions that already affect neurological function, such as attention deficit disorders
- Central sensitisation of the nervous system
Treatment and Rehabilitation of Prolonged Whiplash Injury
Treatment and rehabilitation are tailored to the individual, as all symptoms following a whiplash injury are unique. Treatment most commonly includes
- Personalised vestibular therapy
- Individual movement control exercises to improve functional ability
- Manual therapy and acupuncture to treat any pain and tension
- Lifestyle advice regarding exercise, rest, and sleep
Read more
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PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness)
Concussion (Post-Concussion Syndrome)
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