J Korean Dysphagia Soc.  2023 Jul;13(2):133-138. 10.34160/jkds.23.001.

Delayed-Onset Dysphagia after Whiplash Injury: A Case Report

• Kim J
• Hong MJ
• Chae DJ
• Park JB
• Lee YJ

• KMID: 2545125
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.34160/jkds.23.001

Abstract

Various symptomatic complaints, including dysphagia, have been reported by patients with whiplash injury, which greatly impacts their life. There are few reports on the treatment and progression of dysphagia following whiplash injuries. This case report describes a patient who presented with delayed dysphagia after a whiplash injury. A 37-year-old female visited the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of our institution and presented with delayed dysphagia one year after a traffic accident. At the time of the accident, the patient was diagnosed with a whiplash injury and had no symptoms of dysphagia. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study revealed decreased laryngeal elevation and impaired upper esophageal sphincter opening in the pharyngeal phase. The Penetration-Aspiration Scale score was 3 for pureed food and 7 for liquid food. Laryngeal needle electromyography showed abnormal spontaneous activity in both cricothyroid muscles. The patient underwent swallowing rehabilitation for oropharyngeal dysphagia. There were recurrences of improvement and deterioration during the treatment period. However, after five months, problems related to swallowing improved until there were no complaints. Our study indicates a differentiated treatment approach and the importance of continuous rehabilitation for dysphagia after a whiplash injury.

Keyword

Deglutition disorders; Whiplash injuries; Upper esophageal sphincter