Whiplash injuries are caused when the head and neck whips around during the crash.
Low speed accidents of 10 miles per hour or greater may cause injuries to the following structures:
- Muscles that connect the skull to the neck.
- Muscles that the connect the neck vertebrae to each other.
- Muscles that connect the neck to the mid back.
- Ligaments and tendons that are connecting skull to the neck and midback.
- Cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brain stem, spinal cord and spinal nerves.
The most common whiplash injuries are:
- Sprain/strain injuries to the neck, jaw, midback and lower back.
- Shearing/tearing of the nerve covering around the brain stem, spinal cord and spinal nerves.
- Contusion to the frontal lobe and cerebellum
It is the injuries to the cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord that are most likely the cause of imbalance, dizziness, vertigo.
Jaw injuries (aka TMJ) are also known to contribute to imbalance and dizziness.
These injuries can be much worse, if the accident is worse, or the head and trunk are rotated.
This is exactly why it is imperative to get thoroughly examined immediately after a car accident by an injury specialist. Because while you may not have many symptoms, aches or pains, the injuries can exist. And the sooner the injuries are discovered, the better and more comprehensive your recovery.
If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, please call ITC at 816-886-9005 for a FREE consultation. Please don’t delay.