5.4 Persistent headache attributed to whiplash

Description:

Headache of more than 3 months’ duration caused by whiplash.

Diagnostic criteria:

1. Any headache fulfilling criteria C and D
2. Whiplash¹, associated at the time with neck pain and/or headache, has occurred
3. Headache developed within 7 days after the whiplash
4. Headache persists for >3 months after its onset
5. Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis².

Notes:

1. Whiplash is defined as sudden and inadequately restrained acceleration/deceleration movements of the head with flexion/extension of the neck. Whiplash may occur after either high or low impact forces.
2. When headache following whiplash becomes persistent, the possibility of 8.2 Medication-overuse headache needs to be considered.