Potential associations between chronic whiplash and incomplete spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2015 · DOI: 10.1038/scsandc.2015.24 · Published: October 8, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Medical Imaging

Simple Explanation

This study explores whether chronic whiplash symptoms could be related to partial spinal cord damage. It compares individuals with chronic whiplash to healthy controls and individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. The researchers used MRI to assess spinal cord motor tract integrity and muscle fat infiltration. They also measured central volitional muscle activation in the legs. The results suggest that some individuals with chronic whiplash may have similar structural changes and muscle weakness as those with incomplete spinal cord injury, indicating potential spinal cord involvement.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

5 chronic WAD, 5 matched controls, 5 unmatched iSCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Participants with chronic WAD showed reduced spinal cord motor tract integrity compared to controls.
2
The chronic WAD group exhibited increased muscle fat infiltration in both neck and lower extremity muscles.
3
Voluntary plantarflexor muscle activation was significantly impaired in chronic WAD participants, comparable to those with iSCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated potential associations between chronic whiplash and incomplete spinal cord injury by comparing individuals with chronic WAD to healthy controls and those with iSCI. The researchers assessed spinal cord motor tract integrity, muscle fat infiltration, and voluntary muscle activation using MRI and other techniques. The findings suggest that a subset of chronic whiplash patients may have sustained partial spinal cord damage, exhibiting similar structural and functional changes to those with iSCI.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic potential

Advanced MRI sequences may aid in identifying pathoanatomical lesions related to recovery pathways in whiplash patients.

Treatment strategies

The possibility of spinal cord involvement in chronic whiplash may necessitate a re-evaluation of current treatment approaches.

Further research

Prospective studies are needed to investigate the relationship between daily physical activity, spinal cord alterations, and muscle fat infiltration in whiplash patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not control for daily activity level, which could influence muscle fat infiltration.
2
Contralateral lower limb CAR testing was not performed for all participants.
3
The study focused on the motor system and motor output, neglecting the sensory changes often present in chronic WAD.

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