WHIPLASH INJURY OF THE CERVICAL-SPINE FROM NEUROSURGICAL, TRAUMATOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL-ASPECTS

Since the early 50's, whiplash injury has been a subject of intensive study in order to find out the genesis of this disease. Unfortunately, most of the studies were planned retrospectively and were based on in homogeneous groups of patients. In our prospective study, we tried to keep the patient group homogeneous. 62 patients were examined neurolog ically and radiologically immediately after the accident. Furthermore, they underwent a psychological test, the so-called Freiburg personali ty profile. 6 months later the patients were checked again. On the bas is on our findings, the suspected psychological influence has to be co nfirmed. Preexisting degenerative lesions of the cervical spine, also, are undoubtedly prognostic for longer-lasting symptoms.