Whiplash diagnosis

For many years, whiplash-type injuries were dismissed as something suffered by hypochondriacs because they could not be seen on x-rays nor identified by physical examination. Many people who had suffered a whiplash injury did not receive any treatment for their injury and found claiming compensation difficult.

Identifying the exact whiplash injury that someone has suffered is still tricky. However, whiplash is now a well-documented occurrence and the resulting neck injuries have been seen in many studies. This means that Whiplash Associated Disorders are now taken more seriously by doctors and it is easier to get whiplash compensation.

Many people who have an injury caused by whiplash do not find out the cause of their pain and are diagnosed with a Whiplash Associated Disorder. Symptoms often resolve themselves quickly and no further treatment is needed.

Diagnosis of whiplash-associated disorders

If symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks or are particularly painful or bothersome, further investigation may be carried out. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, and electromyography are some of the techniques that are used to pinpoint a particular neck injury.

MRI scans use magnetism to visualise the tissues inside the body. They can be used to the benefit of whiplash patients to see injuries that include disc hernias, disc injuries, and nerve compression.

A CT scan uses a combination of technology and x-rays to create a three dimensional image of the inside of the neck which can be examined for abnormalities. It is sometimes used with a myelogram, which is a contrasting substance that helps to differentiate between types of tissue.

Electromyography is a technique that involves testing the state of the nerves and muscles. This is useful in patients who report arm pain following their whiplash-type injury and a trapped nerve is the suspected cause.

Some medical professionals will use discography, an injection into the disc itself, to discover the cause of disc pain. However, this diagnostic method is not used by all hospitals and due to its complexity is only used on long-term patients who are in very severe pain.

Taking legal action if you have experienced a whiplash injury

If you have been diagnosed with a Whiplash Associated Disorder and the accident in which you sustained the injury was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation against those responsible.

YouClaim can help you pursue a case for whiplash neck injury through our supportive, straightforward service. We are committed to helping you secure the appropriate compensation as a result of your injury and will work hard to get you the best compensation possible after you've been injured. 

If you wish to find out more about compensation for Whiplash Associated Disorders, speak to our experienced solicitors on telephone 0800 10 757 95 or fill in an online claim form and we will call you.