The long-term prognosis of whiplash-associated disorders (WAD)

Abstract

Somatic and mental symptoms in 22 patients (16 women and 6 men) 22–73 months after a whiplash injury are described. The results of the present study are compared with the corresponding results of a previous study on the same patients. According to the Quebec Classification System, the whiplash injuries of 15 patients were classified as grade 2 and those of 7 patients as grade 3. Pain intensity was evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale and muscular tenderness was assessed by pressure algometry. Algometry was also used to measure the pain tolerance level. The Mood Adjective Check List was used as a measure of mental well-being. During the 2 years that had passed since the previous study, the patients had improved regarding pain intensity, pain tolerance level and mental well-being. The results show that patients with prolonged disability after a whiplash injury can improve even after a long time.