| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or "whipping" of the head. |
| Alternative Names | |
| Considerations | Whiplash often occurs when a person is in a vehicle that stops suddenly, such as in a crash. For example, if a car is hit head-on, it abruptly stops moving, which causes anything in the vehicle to be thrown forward -- including passengers. If a person is restrained by a seat belt, the body is not thrown forward but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing whiplash injury in the neck. |
| Causes | Causes of whiplash include roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome .) |
| Symptoms | |
| First Aid | |
| Do Not | |
| Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if | |
| Prevention | |
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