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Whiplash injury
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Also known as Acute Cervical Strain
- Sudden acceleration-deceleration trauma that occurs when car is rear-ended
Clinical Features
- Pain, stiffness, paracervical muscle tenderness
Differential Diagnosis
Blunt Neck Trauma
- Spinal cord trauma
- Vertebral and carotid artery dissection
- Whiplash injury
- Cervical spine fractures and dislocations
- Strangulation
Evaluation
Diagnosis by history and physical exam
Management
- Use C-Spine (NEXUS) criteria to determine whether imaging is required
- Consider brain, cord, carotid/vertebral artery dissection if neuro findings are present
Disposition
- Generally outpatient management
