Attentional processing in common whiplash syndrome before and with immobilisation of the cervical spine

The study focused on attentional processes in patients who had suffered common whiplash injury and who were investigated before and with immobilisation of the cervical spine. Patients demonstrated considerable subjective relief and marked improvement in complex attentional processing with the immobilisation. This improvement cannot be explained by the practice effect as shown by the results in a control group. The norepinephrine system is discussed as a possible neurophysiological basis for the observed effects.