The development of psychological changes following whiplash injury

Psychological distress is a feature of chronic whiplash-associated disorders, but little is known of psychological changes from soon after injury to either recovery or symptom persistence. This study prospectively measured psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire 28, GHQ-28), fear of movement/re-injury (TAMPA Scale of Kinesphobia, TSK), acute post-traumatic stress (Impact of Events Scale, IES) and general health and well being (Short Form 36, SF-36) in 76 whiplash subjects within 1 month of injury and then 2, 3 and 6 months post-injury. Subjects were classified at 6 months post-injury using scores on the Neck Disability Index: recovered (<8), mild pain and disability (10-28) or moderate/severe pain and disability (>30). All whiplash groups demonstrated psychological distress (GHQ-28, SF-36) to some extent at 1 month post-injury. Scores of the recovered group and those with persistent mild symptoms returned to levels regarded as normal by 2 months post-injury, parallelling a decrease in reported pain and disability. Scores on both these tests remained above threshold levels in those with ongoing moderate/severe symptoms. The moderate/severe and mild groups showed elevated TSK scores at 1 month post-injury. TSK scores decreased by 2 months in the group with residual mild symptoms and by 6 months in those with persistent moderate/severe symptoms. Elevated IES scores, indicative of a moderate post-traumatic stress reaction, were unique to the group with moderate/severe symptoms. The results of this study demonstrated that all those experiencing whiplash injury display initial psychological distress that decreased in those whose symptoms subside. Whiplash participants who reported persistent moderate/severe symptoms at 6 months continue to be psychologically distressed and are also characterised by a moderate post-traumatic stress reaction.     

Physical and psychological factors predict outcome following whiplash injury

Predictors of outcome following whiplash injury are limited to socio-demographic and symptomatic factors, which are not readily amenable to secondary and tertiary intervention. This prospective study investigated the predictive capacity of early measures of physical and psychological impairment on pain and disability 6 months following whiplash injury. Motor function (ROM; kinaesthetic sense; activity of the superficial neck flexors (EMG) during cranio-cervical flexion), quantitative sensory testing (pressure, thermal pain thresholds, brachial plexus provocation test), sympathetic vasoconstrictor responses and psychological distress (GHQ-28, TSK, IES) were measured in 76 acute whiplash participants. The outcome measure was Neck Disability Index scores at 6 months. Stepwise regression analysis was used to predict the final NDI score. Logistic regression analyses predicted membership to one of the three groups based on final NDI scores (<8 recovered, 10-28 mild pain and disability, >30 moderate/severe pain and disability). Higher initial NDI score (1.007-1.12), older age (1.03-1.23), cold hyperalgesia (1.05-1.58), and acute post-traumatic stress (1.03-1.2) predicted membership to the moderate/severe group. Additional variables associated with higher NDI scores at 6 months on stepwise regression analysis were: ROM loss and diminished sympathetic reactivity. Higher initial NDI score (1.03-1.28), greater psychological distress (GHQ-28) (1.04-1.28) and decreased ROM (1.03-1.25) predicted subjects with persistent milder symptoms from those who fully recovered. These results demonstrate that both physical and psychological factors play a role in recovery or non-recovery from whiplash injury. This may assist in the development of more relevant treatment methods for acute whiplash.     

Antinociceptive reflex alteration in acute posttraumatic headache following whiplash injury

Brainstem-mediated antinociceptive inhibitory reflexes of the temporalis muscle were investigated in 82 patients (47 F, 35 M, mean age 28.3 years, SD 9.4) with acute posttraumatic headache (PH) following whiplash injury but without neurological deficits, bone injury of the cervical spine or a combined direct head trauma on average 5 days after the acceleration trauma. Latencies and durations of the early and late exteroceptive suppression (ES1 and ES2) and the interposed EMG burst (IE) of the EMG of the voluntarily contracted right temporalis muscle evoked by ipsilateral stimulation of the second and third branches of the trigeminal nerve were analyzed and compared to a cohort of 82 normal subjects (43 F, 39 M, mean age 27.7 years, SD 7.1). Highly significant reflex alterations were found in patients with PH with a shortening of ES2 duration with delayed onset and premature ending as the primary parameter of this study, a moderate prolongation of ES1 and IE duration and a delayed onset of IE. The latency of ES1 was not significantly changed. These findings indicate that acute PH in whiplash injury is accompanied by abnormal antinociceptive brainstem reflexes. We conclude that the abnormality of the trigeminal inhibitory temporalis reflex is based on a transient dysfunction of the brainstem-mediated reflex circuit mainly of the late polysynaptic pathways. The reflex abnormalities are considered as a neurophysiological correlate of the posttraumatic (cervico)-cephalic pain syndrome. They point to an altered central pain control in acute PH due to whiplash injury.     

Persistent myalgia following whiplash

Persistent myalgia following whiplash is commonly considered the result of poor psychosocial status, illness behavior, or failing coping skills. However, there is much evidence that persistent myalgia may be due to neurophysiologic mechanisms involving peripheral and central sensitization. Myofascial trigger points may play a crucial role in maintaining sensitization. Recent research suggests that the chemical environment of myofascial trigger points is an important factor. Several consequences are reviewed when central pain mechanisms and myofascial trigger points are included in the differential diagnosis and in the management of patients with persistent pain following whiplash.     

Quantification of acute neck pain following whiplash injury by computer-aided pressure algesimetry

Until now the clinical investigation of cervical pain due to whiplash injury is mainly based on finger palpation. The present study introduces a PC-interactive pressure algesimetry to standardize cervical pain measurement. Pressure pain scores of the splenius and trapezius muscles of 23 patients with an acute cervical syndrome after whiplash injury were compared to those of 24 healthy subjects. The pressure painfulness of neck and shoulder muscles was significantly increased in whiplash patients. The splenii muscles showed an equally increased muscle pain whereas the trapezii muscles showed a left-sided preponderance of painfulness, possibly due to the seat belt position in this group of motor vehicle drivers. The computer-interactive pressure algesimetry enables a standardized and rater-independent quantification of the cervical syndrome with neck and shoulder pain caused by whiplash injury.     

A comparison of symptoms experienced following minor head injury and acute neck strain (whiplash injury).

The symptoms reported by patients who have experienced minor head or minor neck injury are compared. Symptoms were identified using a questionnaire-based out-patients interview. Rank order correlation analyses were carried out on data obtained at 2 and 6-12 weeks post-injury. Data on 24 head-injured and 29 neck-injured patients are presented. There was a significant rank order correlation at both assessments but neck injured patients reported more phobia (fear of travelling in car) and depression, and head-injured more dizziness. It is likely that neck-injury contributes to the symptomatology experienced after minor head injury, and vice-versa.     

Cervicogenic headache after whiplash injury

Cervicogenic headache (CEH) with pain radiating from the neck to the forehead is a common finding after whiplash injury. In most whiplash studies, the whiplash headaches are not defined. Post-whiplash CEH typically is a moderate headache with a benign, but often prolonged course. It probably is unilateral and bilateral. Reduced neck mobility does not seem to be as common after whiplash as in chronic CEH in general. Post-whiplash CEH is accompanied by great disability and high use of medication. Although the natural course seems favorable for unilateral CEH during the first postinjury years, some patients will need specific treatment for their headaches. There is a lack of controlled studies to guide practitioners to choose investigations and treatment for chronic CEH.     

Differential development of sensory hypersensitivity and a measure of spinal cord hyperexcitability following whiplash injury

Widespread sensory hypersensitivity is present in acute whiplash and is associated with poor recovery. Decreased nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) thresholds (spinal cord hyperexcitability) are a feature of chronic whiplash but have not been investigated in the acute to chronic injury stage. This study compared the temporal development of sensory hypersensitivity and NFR responses from soon after injury to either recovery or to transition to chronicity. It also aimed to identify predictors of persistent spinal cord hyperexcitability. Pressure and cold pain thresholds, NFR responses (threshold and pain VAS) were prospectively measured in 62 participants at <3 weeks, 3 and 6 months post whiplash injury and in 22 healthy controls on two occasions a month apart. Pain levels and psychological distress (GHQ-28; IES) were measured at baseline. Whiplash participants were classified at 6 months post-injury using the Neck Disability Index: recovered (?8%), mild pain and disability (10–28%) or moderate/severe pain and disability (?30%). All whiplash groups demonstrated spinal cord hyperexcitability (lowered NFR thresholds) at 3 weeks post-injury. This hyperexcitability persisted in those with moderate/severe symptoms at 6 months but resolved in those who recovered or reported lesser symptoms at 6 months. In contrast generalized sensory hypersensitivity (pressure and cold) was only ever present in those with persistent moderate/severe symptoms and remained unchanged throughout the study period. This suggests different mechanisms underlie sensory hypersensitivity and NFR responses. In multivariate analyses only initial NDI scores (p = 0.003) were a unique predictor of persistent spinal cord hyperexcitability indicating possible ongoing peripheral nociception following whiplash injury.     

Cervical whiplash syndrome. Hyperextension-hyperflexion injury

Cervical whiplash syndrome, or hyperextension-hyperflexion injury, is a common traumatic injury to the soft tissue structures around the cervical spine. The mechanisms of injury that cause cervical whiplash syndrome vary, yet they may be sufficient enough to cause cervical spine fracture, resulting in partial or complete neurologic deficit. The pathogenesis of cervical whiplash syndrome are presented.     

Measurement of cervical flexor endurance following whiplash

Aim.?To investigate measurement properties of a practical test of cervical flexor endurance (CFE) in whiplash patients including inter-rater reliability, sensitivity to clinical change, criterion related validity against the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and discriminant validity for injured versus uninjured populations.

Methods.?Two samples were recruited, 81 whiplash patients, and a convenience sample of 160 subjects who were not seeking treatment and met criteria for normal pain and range of motion. CFE was measured using a stopwatch while the subject, in crook lying, held their head against gravity to fatigue.

Results.?Inter-rater reliability in whiplash patients was in a range considered ‘almost perfect’ (Intraclass Correlation?=?0.96). CFE had greater inter-subject variability than the NDI or range of motion in any of three planes. However, the effect size for improvement in CFE over treatment was as large as the effect sizes for all of those measures. In multivariate regression, CFE changes accounted for changes on the NDI better than the three ranges of motion. CFE discriminated whiplash patients who were within six months of injury (n?=?71) from age and gender matched normals with high effect size (ES?=?1.5).

Conclusions.?These findings provide evidence of reliability and validity for CFE measurement, and demonstrate that CFE detects clinical improvements. Variance on CFE emphasizes the need to consider inter-, and intra-subject standard deviations to interpret scores.     

Measurement of cervical flexor endurance following whiplash

AIM: To investigate measurement properties of a practical test of cervical flexor endurance (CFE) in whiplash patients including inter-rater reliability, sensitivity to clinical change, criterion related validity against the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and discriminant validity for injured versus uninjured populations. METHODS: Two samples were recruited, 81 whiplash patients, and a convenience sample of 160 subjects who were not seeking treatment and met criteria for normal pain and range of motion. CFE was measured using a stopwatch while the subject, in crook lying, held their head against gravity to fatigue. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability in whiplash patients was in a range considered 'almost perfect' (Intraclass Correlation=0.96). CFE had greater inter-subject variability than the NDI or range of motion in any of three planes. However, the effect size for improvement in CFE over treatment was as large as the effect sizes for all of those measures. In multivariate regression, CFE changes accounted for changes on the NDI better than the three ranges of motion. CFE discriminated whiplash patients who were within six months of injury (n=71) from age and gender matched normals with high effect size (ES=1.5). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence of reliability and validity for CFE measurement, and demonstrate that CFE detects clinical improvements. Variance on CFE emphasizes the need to consider inter-, and intra-subject standard deviations to interpret scores.     

塞来昔布对重型颅脑创伤后运动功能的影响

目的 探讨选择性环氧合酶( cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2)抑制剂塞来昔布对重型颅脑创伤后神经元保护作用及可能作用机制.方法 72只健康成年雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为颅脑创伤组、塞来昔布治疗组、模型组及对照组,每组18只.颅脑创伤组、塞来普布治疗组采用Marmarou方法建立大鼠重型闭合性颅脑创伤模型,模型组仅于麻醉后切开头皮、缝合,但不致伤,对照组不做任何处理.每组12只应用蛋白印迹Western blot法及免疫组织化学SP法检测COX-2表达,6只进行神经功能损害评分测试.结果 颅脑创伤组COX-2蛋白表达较对照组及模型组明显增加(P＜0.05),塞来昔布治疗组COX-2蛋白表达较颅脑创伤组下降(P＜0.05);对照组神经功能损伤评分与模型组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),塞来昔布治疗组神经功能损伤评分较颅脑创伤组明显降低(P＜0.05).结论 COX-2抑制剂塞来昔布对重型颅脑创伤大鼠有脑保护作用,可降低COX-2的表达,抑制脑创伤后的炎症反应,改善其伤后运动障碍.     

A psychosocial risk factor--targeted intervention for the prevention of chronic pain and disability following whiplash injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of a psychosocial intervention improved return-to-work rates beyond those associated with participation in a functional restoration physical therapy intervention. Subjects who had sustained whiplash injuries participated in the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP), which is a 10-week psychosocial intervention program that aims to increase activity involvement and minimize psychological barriers to rehabilitation progress. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A sample of 60 subjects enrolled in a functional restoration physical therapy intervention were used as a historical cohort comparison group. Subjects who received the functional restoration physical therapy intervention were compared with a sample of 70 subjects who received PGAP in addition to physical therapy. RESULTS: Participation in PGAP plus physical therapy resulted in a higher return-to-work rate (75%) than participation in physical therapy alone (50%). Differences between treatment conditions were most pronounced for the subgroup of subjects who had the largest number of psychosocial risk factors. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a psychosocial risk reduction intervention can be an effective means of improving function and facilitating return to work in people who are at risk for prolonged pain-related disability.     

Compensation claim lodgement and health outcome developmental trajectories following whiplash injury: A prospective study

This study aimed to identify distinctive trajectories for pain/disability and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following whiplash injury and to examine the effect of injury compensation claim lodgement on the trajectories. In a prospective study, 155 individuals with whiplash were assessed at <1 month, 3, 6 and 12 months post injury. Outcomes at each time point were Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS). Group-based trajectory analytical techniques were used to identify outcome profiles. The analyses were then repeated after including third party compensation claim lodgment as a binary time-changing covariate. Three distinct NDI trajectories were determined: (1) Mild: mild or negligible pain/disability for the entire 12 months (45%), (2) Moderate: initial moderate pain/disability that decreased to mild levels by 3 months (39%) and (3) Chronic-severe: severe pain/disability persisting at moderate/severe levels for 12 months (16%). Three distinct PTSD trajectories were also identified: (1) Resilient: mild symptoms throughout (40%), (2) Recovering: initial moderate symptoms declining to mild levels by 3 months (43%) and (3) Chronic moderate-severe: persistent moderate/severe symptoms throughout 12 months (17%). Claim submission had a detrimental effect on all trajectories (p < 0.001) except for the Chronic-severe NDI trajectory (p = 0.098). Following whiplash injury, there are distinct pathways of recovery for pain/ disability and PTSD symptoms. Management of whiplash should consider the detrimental association of compensation claim with psychological recovery and recovery of those with mild to moderate pain/disability levels. However, claim lodgement has no significant association with a more severe pain and disability trajectory.     

Treatment-induced neuroplasticity following focal injury to the motor cortex

The impairment and functional limitation associated with damage to the cerebral motor cortex is often severely disabling and can lead to extensive rehabilitation. Unfortunately, much of this rehabilitation intervention lacks a solid foundation of empirically derived evidence of its efficacy. Moreover, the continuing knowledge explosion in healthcare necessitates the need to stay abreast of ever-changing developments in rehabilitation. This paper introduces the reader to introductory neuroplasticity concepts and outlines the current knowledge on neuroplastic changes in the motor cortex, which are driven by rehabilitation. Furthermore, this paper discusses neuroplasticity concepts that can serve as a theoretical foundation behind treatment intervention.     

Two different courses of impaired cervical kinaesthesia following a whiplash injury. A one-year prospective study

A longitudinal study was conducted to observe persons with neck pain after motor vehicle collisions. The aims were to reveal the prospective development of cervical kinaesthesia and to investigate the association between the test results and self-reported pain and disabilities. Two different cervical kinaesthetic tests, the Fly test and the Head-Neck Relocation test, measured movement control and the relocation accuracy of the cervical spine, respectively. Self-assessment measures included pain intensity (VAS), neck pain and disability (NDI), fear of re-injury (TAMPA) and psychological distress (GHQ-28). Seventy-four subjects entered the study, but 47 were eligible, as they participated in all 4 measurements at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-collision. According to the performances on the two kinaesthetic tests, the subjects could be classified into improvement and non-improvement groups, respectively. The result revealed, for the first time, two different courses of deficient cervical kinaesthesia. About half of the participants showed significant deteriorating performances in both kinaesthetic tests throughout the year (p < 0.002), while the other half improved their performances (p < 0.02). Generally, the relationships between the kinaesthetic tests and the self-assessment scores were not significant, irrespective of the performances on the two kinaesthetic tests. Accordingly, the results of the questionnaires correlated poorly or weakly with the kinaesthetic test results at all assessment points. The need for developing a new questionnaire, capturing the symptoms prevalent in patients with neck pain and cervical sensorimotor impairments is urgent. What determines the two different kinaesthetic courses need to be scrutinised in future research.