What is Whiplash? Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash

What is Whiplash

The word “whiplash” is a non-medical term used to describe a wide range of injuries to the neck.Whiplash occurs when the soft tissues of the neck (ligaments, tendons and muscles) experience a sudden snapping or jerking motion, similar to the movement of a whip after it is whipped.

The terms that most medical professionals use to describe whiplash are hyperextension injury, cervical sprain, and cervical strain.

Causes of Whiplash

The most common reported whiplash injury involves rear-end car accidents. The driver and passengers of the front car usually sustain a more serious injury, due to them being unprepared for the collision.

There are many other ways whiplash injuries can be caused, including:
•  Car accidents that do not involve any rear-end impact
•  Slip and fall accidents
•  Physical abuse (being pushed from behind or  punched)
•  Child Abuse (shaking a baby)
•  Sports that involve extreme physical contact (football, boxing, hockey, and karate)
•  Skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding falls

 Symptoms of Whiplash

The neck pain experienced from an accident or injury involving whiplash can occur immediately or several days later. It is not uncommon for an auto accident victim to delay in reporting a whiplash injury, due to adrenaline and still being in a state of shock.

Symptoms of whiplash to look for after an accident are:
•  Neck pain and stiffness
•  Headache and dizziness
•  Less range of motion
•  Blurred vision
•  Jaw tightness or difficulty eating

Diagnosing Whiplash

It is important to seek immediate medical attention after an auto accident, even when there is only a little bit of pain. Some whiplash symptoms will not be present right away, but should be examined by a medical professional once the pain begins.

The physician may ask certain questions regarding how the injury was caused. This is to help look for signs of whiplash that may have not been felt yet. The physician may require that an X-ray, CT-scan, MRI or other test be ordered to assess the injury.

Whiplash Injury Lawsuit

Keeping detailed records of the accident, symptoms and medical expenses are very important if you plan on pursuing a personal injury case. After an accident, seek medical attention and do not make statements about how you feel. The results from the medical examinations should tell the story.

Hire a Boca Raton Injury Attorney for Help

If you or your passenger has been injured in an auto accident, lost a loved one as a result of the accident, or if you would like more information about other whiplash injury cases, you should contact a Boca Raton FL injury attorney at Glotzer & Kobren, P.A. at 561-361-8677.