This book is based on the proceedings and discussions of a closed workshop held in Santa Margherita Ligure in January 1995. It was an original scientific experience: no public was admitted. For three days the main contributors of this book remained closed in a wonderful ho­ tel. In the same hotel Guglielmo Marconi, in the 30s, performed his first experiments with radio waves. The hotel was therefore an ideal place, al­ though the problems we discussed were not so "revolutionary" like Marco­ ni's experiments. In these days round tables, superrescricted meetings on specific topics and presentation of selected papers, only for very few persons, were per­ formed. We discussed about definition, ethiopathogenesis, physiopathology, clinical and instrumental evaluations, medico-legal and therapeutic aspects of whiplash injuries. All the attendants tried to report and discuss personal experiences and ideas in order to compare them. All the discussions were especially aimed to prepare the chapters you will read in this book. We returned to our homes very tired, but very rich in our minds. We really hope that after reading this book you will be as tired as rich. We are very grateful to Pharmacia, who supported the closed workshop and the preparation of this publication.

Inhalt

1 - General Aspects.- Whiplash: an Interdisciplinary Challenge.- Functional Anatomy.- Kinematics and Dynamics of the Vehicle/Seat/Occupant System Regarding Whiplash Injuries.- Whiplash Lesions: Orthopaedic Considerations.- The Neurological Point of View.- The Radiological Evaluation.- 2 - Physiopathology.- Pathophysiology of Whiplash Associated Disorders: Theories and Controversies.- Postural Studies on Whiplash Injuries.- Whiplash Effects on Hypothalamus and the Sympathetic System.- Whiplash Effects on the Vestibulo-oculomotor System.- 3 - Evaluation.- Anamnesis and Clinical Evaluation.- Voluntary Eye Movements in Whiplash Injuries.- Optokinetic Nistagmus and Visuo-vestibular Interaction in Whiplash Injuries.- Vestibulo-ocular Reflexes and Visuo-vestibular Interaction.- Abducting Interocular Ophthalmoplegia After Whiplash Injuries.- Instrumental Evaluation of the Posture.- Posturography and Vertigo.- Diagnosis and Treatment of Equilibrium Disorders in Whiplash Injuries: Posture and Stance Disorders.- Medico-legal Aspects.- 4 - Treatment.- Pharmacological Treatment of Whiplash Injury.- Whiplash Injury: Orthopaedic and Rehabilitative Approach to Neck Pathology.- Acupuncture and Neuroreflexology.- Physiotherapy of the Neck, Back and Pelvis in Patients with Whiplash Injuries.- Neurorehabilitation of Ataxia.- Visual Feedback Center of Gravity Reeducation.- Ski Trainer Oscillating Platform: Proprioceptive Reeducation.- Vestibular Electrical Stimulation.- Neurophysiological Investigation of the Relation Between Vestibular Activation and Cervicospinal Reflex.- The Therapeutic Strategy.