What is WAD? An Introduction to
Whiplash Associated Disorders
Whiplash is a term that is used
fairly loosely to refer to a type of injury where a person’s neck is subjected
to a sudden force causing it to rapidly accelerate and then decelerate. This motion
often leads to various associated injuries ranging from minor strains and
bruising to severe neurological damage and permanent impairment.
‘Whiplash’ is most common in motor
vehicle accidents (MVAs) and many professionals such as insurers, solicitors
and employers working with third party claimants should be familiar with the
complaint.
In fact, due to the prevalence and
notoriety of MVAs and journey claims, anybody working in any capacity within
worker’s compensation will, therefore, often come across the term ‘Whiplash
Associated Disorder’.
Because so many of our clients will
come into contact with someone suffering from a whiplash associated disorder,
in a very brief form, the current context of recommendation in relation to
whiplash injuries is seen below to assist with understanding what a whiplash
associated disorder actually is and, most importantly, what it implies.
Quebec Task Force
In 1991 the Canadian car insurance
industry raised concern regarding the frequent use of the term “whiplash” for
any neck injury relating to a motor vehicle accident and the inconsistent
treatments which were being recommended and implemented.
The Canadian car industry decided to
set up a task force of experts to investigate the following in relation to
whiplash injuries:
◦
Risk and occurrence
◦
diagnosis,
◦
prognosis, and
◦
treatment recommendations.
A total of over 10,000 publications
were reviewed and recommendations were made based on the evidence identified by
these experts.
The result was a document entitled
the Quebec Task Force Guidelines for Whiplash Associated Disorders.
Among the recommendations was a
classification of the types of whiplash injuries;
◦
WAD O – No complaint about the neck.
No physical sign(s).
◦
WAD I – Neck complaint of pain,
stiffness or tenderness only / No physical sign(s).
◦
WAD II – Neck complaint AND
musculoskeletal sign(s). / Musculoskeletal signs include decreased range
of motion and point tenderness.
◦
WADIII – Neck complaint AND
neurological sign(s). / Neurological signs include decreased or absent
deep tendon reflexes, weakness and sensory deficits.
◦
WAD IV Neck
complaint AND fracture or dislocation.
This classification system allows for
consistency in research and also in supporting prognosis and treatment. Once
diagnosis is provided and the classification of WAD is given, the next task is
to identify standard recommendations to address the level of injury.
In our next post some of the
criticism which has been applied to the Quebec Task Force will be discussed and
we will outline what the WAD recommends in terms of prognosis and treatment.
We will also begin to look at how the industry has evolved
internationally in response to the WAD classification and what it means within
Insurance, Legal and Rehab settings.
This information was taken form Overland Health Website,
you can visit their page for more information on http://www.overland-health.co.uk/blog/
