Whiplash

Overview

Whiplash is a diagnosis of exclusion. That means healthcare providers make the diagnosis after ruling out more serious conditions that need immediate treatment or other possible causes. Ruling out those other conditions involves a combination of diagnostic tests, imaging scans, physical and neurological examinations, and more. Healthcare providers also ask you questions about your symptoms and any events that could have caused the whiplash, especially car crashes.

What tests will be done to diagnose whiplash?

There are several possible tests, most of them imaging scans, that can help a provider rule out other conditions or issues and diagnose whiplash, including:

X-rays.
Computerized tomography (CT) scans.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Products & Services

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.