[Cervical sprain and chronic disorders: the neurologist's point of view]

The Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) are mostly chronic cervical and cephalic pain syndromes. They are often associated with general disorders and with sensorial difficulties. The neurologist evaluates this trouble according to neurochemical and neurophysiological models, hypothesizing a "central hypersensitivity" after a localised peripheral lesion (such as cervical distortion). Other epistemological points of view are certainly legitimate, for example "biopsychosocial" models. From a therapeutic point of view, it seems worth while to try to prevent the development of WAD. When chronic pain is accompanied by difficult life situation, the solution is not simply medical but also social. Faced with a persistent WAD, the therapeutic attitude should be individualised and multidisciplinary, seeking the autonomy of the patient.