REDUCED COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN A GROUP OF WHIPLASH PATIENTS WITH DEMONSTRATED DISTURBANCES IN THE POSTURE CONTROL-SYSTEM

Past studies examining whether or not cognitive changes actually have occurred as a result of a whiplash (WL) accident have produced varying results. The aim of this study was to identify possible cognitive dys functions in a group with persistent problems after whiplash due to in juries to the posture control system and related structures. The whipl ash subjects (n = 23) were selected on the basis of their reduced gain in the Smooth Pursuit Neck Torsion test (SPNT). The WL group differed significantly from a closely matched control group on tests of learni ng and memory, and prolonged divided attention and concentration. Afte r attempting to rule out other ways of interpreting these differences (such as pain, depression, medication, and premorbid health problems), these data were interpreted as lending support to the notion of a cau sal connection between the disturbed posture control system and some c ognitive malfunctions.