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Can Mild Whiplash Cause A Dilated Pupil?
Question: Can mild whiplash cause a dilated pupil?
My wife's car was hit from behind about 7 hours ago. This was low speed, at an intersection while she was waiting for a light. She's noticed now that her left pupil is dilated maybe 1mm wider than the right. She also reports mild stiffness in her neck and upper back.
She has previously had this pupil dilated, when she fell and hit her head but this was about 24 years ago. It wasn't dilated this morning, she says, and if it was she would have noticed because she did her makeup.
She is 51 years old and healthy otherwise. She previously had mild whiplash and back strain was diagnosed but this was about 20 years ago and she did physio and subsequently got a clean medical checkup. She is physically active and golfs competitively. My 19 year old son was in the car at the time and he reports no symptoms.
Should we just monitor the situation and see how she is tomorrow?
My wife's car was hit from behind about 7 hours ago. This was low speed, at an intersection while she was waiting for a light. She's noticed now that her left pupil is dilated maybe 1mm wider than the right. She also reports mild stiffness in her neck and upper back.
She has previously had this pupil dilated, when she fell and hit her head but this was about 24 years ago. It wasn't dilated this morning, she says, and if it was she would have noticed because she did her makeup.
She is 51 years old and healthy otherwise. She previously had mild whiplash and back strain was diagnosed but this was about 20 years ago and she did physio and subsequently got a clean medical checkup. She is physically active and golfs competitively. My 19 year old son was in the car at the time and he reports no symptoms.
Should we just monitor the situation and see how she is tomorrow?
Brief Answer:
Better to get it checked
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
I've gone through your query and I understand your concerns.
As she has noticed the dilated pupil, although slight and she has symptoms of a whiplash, I recommend that she be seen and examined by a doctor just to make sure.
It is unlikely, based on the description of the incident, that she has any head injury but personally I would rather be sure than sorry, especially In any and all road traffic accidents.
I recommend :
-close observation for the next 48hrs
-if she has any headache, vomiting, giddiness, vision disturbances, please take her to the ER.
-she should avoid driving or working with any machines
-warm compresses to her neck followed by application of anti inflammatory gels in gentle circular motion. Apply ice (15 mins) to the area after an hour. (wrap ice in thin cloth- on and off, don't leave it on continuously).
-ibuprofen can help relieve inflammation and pain (to be taken with food and a whole cup of water).
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you all good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Better to get it checked
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
I've gone through your query and I understand your concerns.
As she has noticed the dilated pupil, although slight and she has symptoms of a whiplash, I recommend that she be seen and examined by a doctor just to make sure.
It is unlikely, based on the description of the incident, that she has any head injury but personally I would rather be sure than sorry, especially In any and all road traffic accidents.
I recommend :
-close observation for the next 48hrs
-if she has any headache, vomiting, giddiness, vision disturbances, please take her to the ER.
-she should avoid driving or working with any machines
-warm compresses to her neck followed by application of anti inflammatory gels in gentle circular motion. Apply ice (15 mins) to the area after an hour. (wrap ice in thin cloth- on and off, don't leave it on continuously).
-ibuprofen can help relieve inflammation and pain (to be taken with food and a whole cup of water).
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you all good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
Answered by
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