Neuroinflammation as a predictor of chronicity in whiplash (version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does peripheral neuroinflammation predict chronicity following whiplash?
IRAS ID
278291
Contact name
Andrew Dilley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Whiplash describes an injury to the neck caused by a rapid movement of the head. It often occurs during a motor vehicle collision, causing considerable pain and distress. Most patients are diagnosed with whiplash associated disorder grade-2 (WAD2). Half of these patients develop chronic pain. Current treatments for patients are ineffective. It is difficult to predict which patients will develop chronic pain, and therefore how to manage these patients. The characteristics of pain felt by many patients with WAD2 suggests that symptoms are caused by an injury to the nerves in the neck and arm. However, on clinical examination there is no indication that these nerves are significantly injured. Work from our laboratory suggests that nerves may be inflamed. In this study, we will establish the contribution of nerve inflammation to symptoms early following whiplash. We will determine whether clinical tests are able to identify those patients with inflamed nerves. We will also determine whether the presence of nerve inflammation can be used to identify patients who develop chronic pain. The study will recruit 115 patients within one month following a whiplash injury and thirty-two healthy volunteers. Participants will undergo a clinical assessment. A blood sample will be taken to look for inflammatory proteins and magnetic resonance imaging will be used to identify nerve inflammation in the neck and wrist. Questionnaires to establish neck disability, pain quality and psychological distress will be completed. MRI findings will be compared to healthy controls. At six-months, patients will be asked to repeat the questionnaires, which will be used to identify those patients who have recovered. Twenty-five recovered and twenty-five non-recovered patients will undergo a repeat MRI and clinical assessment. Although patients on this study will not directly benefit, the findings will help with early diagnosis and could refocus treatment to reduce chronic pain.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0625
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion