Borenstein, Peter, Rosenfeld, Mark, and Gunnarsson, Ronny (2011) Cognitive symptoms, cervical range of motion and pain as prognostic factors after whiplash trauma. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 43 (Suppl 50). p. 35.

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Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate pain, cervical range of motion (CROM) and cognitive symptoms as predictors for poor prognosis defined as sick leave 3 years later.

Material and methods: In 97 patients CROM, pain intensity and cognitive symptoms were measured immediately following trauma, at 6 months and 3 years. Patients were also asked at 3 years if they had been on sick leave the last 6 months.

Results: Pain intensity and reduced CROM were not clinically useful as predictors of later sick leave. The best predictors were presence within 96 h after injury of the two cognitive symptoms 'being easily distracted' (odds ratio 8.7–50) and 'easily irritated' (odds ratio 5.3–31).

Conclusions: Initial pain and reduced CROM may be related to minor tissue damage which often heals while late functionality is more dependent on other factors such as cognitive dysfunction. For patients with whiplash associated disorders two simple questions should be asked; 'Are you currently easily irritated?' and 'Are you currently easily distracted (e.g. is it difficult for you to follow a conversation if several people are talking in the room at the same time)?'. An affirmative answer to any of these questions indicates an increased risk for poor prognosis defined as sick leave 3 years later.

Item ID:	37961
Item Type:	Article (Abstract)
ISSN:	1651-2081
Keywords:	whiplash, cognitive symptoms, cervical pain, cervical range of motion.
Related URLs:	Publisher
Additional Information:	Presented at the the 5th International Whiplash Trauma Congress, Lund, Sweden, 24-28th August, 2011.
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2016 03:34
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110321 Rehabilitation and Therapy (excl Physiotherapy) @ 20% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110314 Orthopaedics @ 20% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111717 Primary Health Care @ 60%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920408 Health Status (e.g. Indicators of Well-Being) @ 100%
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