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A random sample of 98 patients with common whiplash was examined early after trauma(mean+/-SD,7.3+/-3.9 days)and again 6 months later.Cognitive functioning was assessed in conjunction with complaints,pain intensity, well-being,subjective cognitive impairment,neuroticism,and medication.At 6 months,67 patients had fully recovered(asymptomatic group),while 31 were still symptomatic(symptomatic group).Symptomatic patients who were older at baseline,had a greater variety of symptoms,higher neck pain intensity, and greater subjective cognitive impairment.At baseline,both groups scored poorly on tests requiring complex attentional processing.All neuropsychological functions improved to normal at 6 months in both groups.This improvement cannot be explained by a practice effect,as shown by the results of normal volunteers.The symptomatic group showed delayed recovery regarding complex attentional functioning,which may be related to adverse effects of medication. |
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