Zeitschrift für Rechtsmedizin. Journal of legal medicine
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Despite many attempts it has so far not been possible to establish a uniform application of the term "whiplash injury" either for diagnostics, therapy, or medical reports. To obtain a clear, functionally based definition, the most frequently used formulations are compared, taking into account anatomic and mechanical aspects in addition. Whiplash injury is separated from hyperextension injury ("snap" trauma of the cervical spine), even though overlaps in the lesion picture are possible. ⋯ This second movement does not by any means proceed with low energy, but its determined by the mass contraction of the muscle group subject to primary abrupt overextension with their synergists. On the basis of the analysis of the mechanical course and the investigation of a actual accidents, the monosegmental cervical spine injury cannot, therefore, be seen as the characteristic type of damage due to a whiplash injury. Instead of this, the frequent occurrence of multiple injuries is pointed out.
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Thiamine deficiency leads to a moderate hyperlactacidemia. As a result of an acute alcohol exposure the hyperlactacidemia is increased. In addition metabolic and respiratory acidosis with a distinct low pH value occurs. These changes constitute vital risks and may be considered as basic arguments for the explanation of sudden death in chronic alcoholics.