MVA whiplash diagnosis after clinical exam and simple x-rays may involve more discreet diagnostic imaging. If symptoms are more severe or continue longer than the doctor is comfortable with, he or she may recommend the following for MVA whiplash or cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) injury, These tests may help determine any damage to the soft tissues of muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the head. Whiplash or cervical acceleration-deceleration injury causes damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
If more information is needed, your doctor may order an MRI. The MRI machine uses magnetic waves rather than x-rays to create pictures of the cervical spine in slices. MRIs show the cervical spine vertebrae, as well as the soft tissue structures, such as the discs, joints, and nerves. MRI scans are painless and don’t require needles or dye. MRI scan has become the most common test to look at the cervical spine after x-rays have been taken.
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scan is a special type of x-ray that lets doctors see slices of bone tissue. The machine uses a computer and x-rays to create these slices. It is used primarily when problems are suspected in the bones.
Digital motion x-ray (DMX)
DMX is a new fluoroscopic based x-ray system designed to objectively detect and document soft tissue/ligament injury most commonly associated with whiplash injuries of the spine. DMX evaluates biomechanical relationships and abnormal movements of the cervical spine. Specifically, DMX:
Shows abnormal movement of vertebral bodies, facets, and other spinal elements
Shows joint hypermobility, hypomobility, or restriction
Shows normal or abnormal initiation of cervical motion
DMX uses digital and optic technology now available. DMX is the latest generation of videofluoroscopy (VF) that uses low doses of radiation. The images have improved clarity and resolution over VF and are recorded digitally on CD or DVD disc. DMX digital images can be replayed and studied on standard computer systems. DMX images are simply x-ray images taken at 30 frames per second to form a multiple radiographic array or series that can be run as a movie file to display real time motion of the joints of the body.
DMX radiographic series can be paused at any location and the measurements and interpretation common to radiology can be applied to the still images. These images would be identical to plain film images if plain film radiography were performed at the same location at the same moment in motion. DMX acquires approximately 2700 images for the same amount of radiation as seven regular x-rays.
McCormick Law Office collect the medical records including imaging studies which may document damage consistent with the mechanism of MVA whiplash injury.
