Scientists Use MRI to Predict If Whiplash Will Turn into Chronic Pain
Whiplash, which most often occurs in rear-end collisions, is usually a temporary injury. However, an estimated 25 percent develop chronic, debilitating pain that can last for months, sometimes even years. Sadly, these same sufferers are often accused of fraud, of “faking” their injuries or somehow trying to get more out of the insurance companies. Thankfully, science may have finally found a way to validate their injuries, and the cause.
Whiplash Still a Highly Misunderstood Condition
To date, medical and scientific understanding of whiplash has been limited. This is due, in part, to the lack of visible signs of injury in victims. Chronic whiplash is even less understood since most other body strains and sprains heal within a matter of weeks. In fact, most doctors must simply diagnose and provide treatment to the best of their abilities, despite truly knowing if chronic whiplash is the cause of their patients’ pain. A new study, conducted by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, could soon change all of that.
MRI Shows Possibility of More Severe Injuries
The researchers examined whiplash victims using advanced MRI imaging results to detect the presence of muscular changes in those complaining of long-term pain. What they found was that victims whose pain lasted longer than two weeks had large amounts of fat infiltrating their neck muscles, which indicated rapid atrophy that could be the cause of their long-term pain.
Equally important is that this understanding of their chronic pain could help doctors better respond to the emotional turmoil that often follows when their bodies fail to respond to treatment. In effect, this information could provide chronic whiplash with all-encompassing care that addresses all of their needs, and it could even pave a path that would improve how victims are compensated for their injuries.
Suffering From Whiplash? Our Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you love has suffered whiplash because of an automobile accident, you may be owed compensation for your injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to minimize the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on the quality of your life. Do not let them do this to you. Get the aggressive, committed help you need. Call 830-443-9193 and schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced New Brunfels car crash attorney today.
Sources:
http://ispub.com/IJN/8/2/8723
