Michele Sterling1, Justin Kenardy. 1. Cervical Spine and Whiplash Research Unit, Division of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia. m.sterling@shrs.uq.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in sensory and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) function between whiplash-injured persons with and without a posttraumatic stress reaction (PTSR). To explore associations between sensory, SNS function, and persistent PTSR at 6 months postinjury. METHODS: Seventy-six acutely (<1 month) whiplash-injured persons (10 with PTSR persisting to 6 months postinjury, 14 with early PTSR that resolved, and 52 with no PTSR) were prospectively investigated. RESULTS: Those with persistent PTSR showed sensory hypersensitivity and impaired peripheral vasoconstriction compared to those whose PTSR resolved and those without PTSR (P<.05). The early presence of sensory hypersensitivity was associated with PTSR at 6 months, but this relationship was mediated by pain and disability levels. Impaired vasoconstriction and higher pain and disability levels were associated with PTSR at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Sensory disturbances following whiplash injury are associated with persistent PTSR but may be mediated by levels of pain and disability.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in sensory and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) function between whiplash-injured persons with and without a posttraumatic stress reaction (PTSR). To explore associations between sensory, SNS function, and persistent PTSR at 6 months postinjury. METHODS: Seventy-six acutely (<1 month) whiplash-injured persons (10 with PTSR persisting to 6 months postinjury, 14 with early PTSR that resolved, and 52 with no PTSR) were prospectively investigated. RESULTS: Those with persistent PTSR showed sensory hypersensitivity and impaired peripheral vasoconstriction compared to those whose PTSR resolved and those without PTSR (P<.05). The early presence of sensory hypersensitivity was associated with PTSR at 6 months, but this relationship was mediated by pain and disability levels. Impaired vasoconstriction and higher pain and disability levels were associated with PTSR at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Sensory disturbances following whiplash injury are associated with persistent PTSR but may be mediated by levels of pain and disability.
Authors: Sarah E Valentine; Monica W Gerber; Carrie J Nobles; Derri L Shtasel; Luana Marques Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2016-03-21 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: David M Walton; Linda J Carroll; Helge Kasch; Michele Sterling; Arianne P Verhagen; Joy C Macdermid; Anita Gross; P Lina Santaguida; Lisa Carlesso Journal: Open Orthop J Date: 2013-09-20