Only recently has PTSD
been recognized as a result of whiplash, and as such,
there is very little information on it. One study did
show that 57% of whiplash patients still suffered from
"psychological distress" two years post-injury.
Many studies show that
long term psychological distress, even years after
financial settlement, is common after head injuries in
general, and in particular, following whiplash injuries.
Symptoms
The following offers a
brief summery on some of the diagnostic criteria for
PTSD.
The patient is
confronted with, witnesses, or experiences actual
or threatened death or serious injury or a threat
to the physical integrity of one's self, or to
others. The person must also have experienced the
event with helplessness, intense fear, or horror.
The traumatic
event is frequently recalled and re-experienced.
Stimuli which
cues memories of the event are continually
avoided. Thoughts of the event are continually
avoided as are people and places that remind the
patient of the event. There might be an inability
to recall important aspects of the event.
Increased
arousal including irritability, insomnia,
difficulty with concentration, or an exaggerated
startle response.
This condition should
be treated seriously. I can only imagine the frustration
of a patient with chronic head pain, combined with memory
and cognition problems, being told that "the MRI is
normal, there is nothing wrong with you." There
might be a fear of long term permanent damage. These
types of mixed messages might further compound a serious
problem. This might lead to anxiety and/or depression.
Treatment
Treatment for this
condition is best originated in a psychologist's or
psychiatrist's office!