Whiplash injury

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

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

See Also

• Neck pain
• Blunt neck trauma