Cognitive function and distress after common whiplash injury

Introduction - In a prospective study 29 patients fulfilled the criteria of Whiplash-Associated Disorders grade III in the Quebec classification. Material and methods - One month postinjury, computerized neuropsychological tests, a clinical interview and the symptom checklist SCL-90-R were administered. Three whiplash scales were extrapolated from SCL-90-R: pain, subjective cognitive difficulties and sleep disorders. SCL-90-R was repeated 6 months later. Results - One month after the accident, 85% of the patients had resumed work. Subjective cognitive disturbances, however, were frequent but unrelated to test performances, which were within the normal range. Patients reporting stressful life events unrelated to the injury had more symptoms and elevated levels of distress on all SCL-90-R syndrome scales. At follow-up their distress was unchanged, and subjective cognitive function had deteriorated. Conclusion - Stressful life events unrelated to the accident and a high level of distress 1 month postinjury may augment the risk of ''late whiplash syndrome''. Reassessment 3-6 weeks postinjury as recommended by the Quebec Task Force should include assessment of complicating social factors and a psychological symptom checklist.