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Journal of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Research
|
Volume 3
Page 39
allied
academies
J u n e 2 8 - 2 9 , 2 0 1 8 | D u b l i n , I r e l a n d
Joint Event on
NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
&
International Conference on
International Conference on
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN
PATIENTS WITH “WHIPLASH” IN AUTO
ACCIDENT
Katerina Stambolieva
1
and
D Petrova
2
1
Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgaria
2
National Multiprofile Transport Hospital, Bulgaria
Background:
Whiplash is a specific type of neck injury that is caused by a auto
accident.The term“whiplash” isused inneck injuryduringbyasuddencollision
of the car cause to quick movement backwards a head and hyperextension
then hyperflexion of the neck. Whiplash is one of those injuries that does
not develop right away. Approximately 12 to 24 hours after the accident,
however, might to appear vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and / or
vertigo, nausea, vomiting, blunt headaches, tinnitus, sometimes hearing
loss, blurred vision and difficulty of concentration. Usually this turbulent and
sudden symptomatic provoke a high degree of anxiety and depression in
these patients.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 30 day treatment
of vestibular symptoms on the symptoms of anxiety and depression after
whiplash.
Patients and Methods:
35 patients (24 male, mean-aged 37.7 ± 11.2 and 11
women, mean aged 45.1 ± 13.4) took part in this investigation. All patients
were without acute injuries and were diagnosed by clinical psychiatrist
about absence of other psychiatric symptoms. The change in neurotological
symptomatic was assessed based on standard clinical neurotological
investigations. The degree of anxiety and depression was assessed by a
HADS scale on the 3rd, 10th and 30th day after the accident.
Results:
At the start of the study, a high level of anxiety was noted (HADS_A
mean score 13.2 ± 3.7) and depression (HADS_D - 7.6 ± 2.1). At the 10th day
of the therapy, a significant improvement in neurotological status of 53% of
patients was observed, but complaints of mild dizziness and / or vertigo and
unstable balance continue to exist, the level of anxiety and depression on the
10th day of the treatments was not reduced. An additional therapy appointed
from a clinical psychiatrist together with otological treatment was included
for this patient’s group. On 30th day of treatment, vestibular dysfunction was
in range typical for physiological for age. The postural instability decreased.
Bad equilibrium was observed during stance with closed eyes only. A
significant reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression was found
(HADS_A - mean score 8.1 ± 3.5 and HADS_D - 6.4 ± 2.8).
Conclusion:
Thecurrent study shows that timely, adequateandcomprehensive
treatment of vestibular dysfunction and the symptoms of anxiety and
depression improve faster the quality of life of patients with whiplash after
auto accident.
Katerina Stambolieva is Associate professor
of physiology at the Institute of Neurobiology
at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Her sci-
entific interests are in the field of neurophysi-
ology, posture and equilibrium, prevention and
treatment of diseases of the peripheral nervous
system, motor and cognitive behavior, and ves-
tibular rehabilitation.
katerina_stambolieva@yahoo.comBIOGRAPHY
Katerina Stambolieva et al., J Neurol Neurorehabil Res 2018, Volume 3