Neck Vessel Dissection following Whiplash-Type Neck Injury

A systematic audit has found that 14 of 179 patients with complex whiplash neck injuries had features suggesting thromboembolism, which we presume originated from an arterial dissection in the neck. Most made a reasonable recovery. Until prospective studies from Emergency Departments are available a short period of prophylactic aspirin should be considered in all patients with acute neck injuries.