Headache features in people with whiplash associated disorders: A scoping review

E Anarte-Lazo; D Abichandani; C Rodriguez-Blanco; C Bernal-Utrera; D Falla

doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102802

Headache features in people with whiplash associated disorders: A scoping review

Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2023 Aug:66:102802. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102802. Epub 2023 Jun 18.

Authors

E Anarte-Lazo¹, D Abichandani², C Rodriguez-Blanco³, C Bernal-Utrera³, D Falla⁴

Affiliations

¹ Doctoral Program in Health Sciences, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
² Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK.
³ Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
⁴ Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. Electronic address: d.falla@bham.ac.uk.

PMID: 37357053
DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102802

Abstract

Background: Whiplash-associated headache (WAH) is one of the most common symptoms after a whiplash injury, leading to high disability. Nevertheless, the clinical characteristics of WAH have not been well described.

Objective: To synthesise the existing literature on the clinical characteristics of WAH.

Design: Scoping review.

Methods: The protocol for this scoping review was registered in Open Science Framework and the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews tool was used to ensure methodological and reporting quality. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus. The search was performed by one author and the screening of articles was conducted by two authors independently.

Results: A total of 11363 articles were initially identified and finally 26 studies were included in the review. Headache intensity was the most commonly reported feature. Headache duration, frequency and location were also reported in at least four studies. Few studies reported physical impairments that may be related to the presence of WAH. A differentiation with concussion characteristics was only performed in eight studies.

Conclusion: WAH appears to be of mild to moderate intensity, typically with episodes of short duration which is commonly experienced in the occipital region amongst other regions, and with a tendency to reduce in intensity over time.

Keywords: Clinical features; Headache; Whiplash injury; Whiplash-associated disorders.

Publication types

Systematic Review
Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Brain Concussion* / complications
Headache / etiology
Humans
Whiplash Injuries* / complications
Whiplash Injuries* / diagnosis