Whiplash is a poorly defined term including ligamentous and muscle strains, hematomas, disc injuries, and less frequently, brain, eye and ear injuries. Diagnosis is difficult because clinical signs and Xrays, electromyography and electroencephalography findings are few. Protection and rest will cure most patients within a year but approximately 2/5th of patients have permanent symptoms and disability.
Rear-end impact accidents cause the head and neck to hyperextend over the seat back. Whiplash occurs in 38% of exposed occupants. Head rests give protection but differential rebound may occur producing injurious hyperextension and whiplash.
The larynx, trachea and esophagus, in front of the spine, are injured by impact against the dash or steering wheel. Airway obstruction may occur and cause death if not restored quickly. Permanent disability can occur because of scarring and partial airway or esophageal obstruction or vocal cord damage.
