The late whiplash syndrome: a psychophysical study

• DOI: 10.1053/eujp.2002.0338
• Publication Date: 2003-10-31T17:53:05Z
• Authors: Martina Moog; John Quintner; Toby Hall; Max Zusman
• Keywords: McGill Pain Questionnaire; Allodynia; Nociceptor

Some patients who have sustained whiplash injuries present with chronic widespread pain and mechanical allodynia. This single-blind, case control matched study of 43 sought to examine psychophysical responses non-noxious stimuli their relationship psychological profiles. Symptom Check List 90-R (SCL-90-R), Neck Disability Index Shortform McGill Questionnaire were completed prior testing. Qualitative comprised light touch, punctate pressure, moderate heat cold. Additionally, vibration was administered using a vibrameter which allowed ramping either frequency or amplitude. Twenty-eight reported vibration-induced pain. No subject experienced in response vibration. significant differences perception threshold noted between group. Twenty-three ten subjects painful Eleven nine heat. Four rated pressure one patient touch as painful. SCL-90-R profiles revealed an overall elevated level distress the difference found without for any dimension SCL-90-R. Pain stimulation over presumably healthy tissues suggests that central mechanisms are responsible ongoing at least some patients. The additional findings on hyperalgesic cold consistent enhanced responsiveness nociceptor input. These results important therapeutic prognostic implications.