Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about the similarities and differences between whiplash and concussion. Both whiplash and concussion are caused by similar mechanisms of injury like quick rotation/jarring of the head and neck or direct trauma to the head and neck.
At the same time, they can produce many of the same symptoms like headaches, neck pain, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, sleep disturbances, and attention and cognitive problems. This overlap is due to the complex nature of how the neck talks to the brain and the brain controls the neck. For this reason, when distinguishing between the two, we cannot solely look at the history.
Instead, we complete specific clinical tests that have been shown to identify primarily cervical dysfunction. Check out the video for more in depth information on these tests and why it is important that we utilize them in the office!
Cheever K, Kawata K, Tierney R, Galgon A. Cervical Injury Assessments for Concussion Evaluation: A Review. J Athl Train. 2016;51(12):1037-1044.
