Is whiplash real?

Andrew Malleson is a septuagenarian Canadian psychiatrist, recently retired from years of giving medicolegal opinions and reviewing sufferers of whiplash. His Herculean task was to complete this laboriously researched book — an eye opener, presented in a most readable and interesting manner. It is as unique in style and presentation as the subject is controversial.

That Malleson has a view against the organicity of whiplash is manifestly clear throughout this excellent book, and his experiences and attitudes permeate chapter after chapter. He offers many well presented arguments towards his conviction that whiplash is a fabricated illness, propagated by the legal, and other, systems. We are left with little doubt that he is probably right. He does not acknowledge much evidence for whiplash (perhaps there is none); the little presented is refuted completely, with little respect.

The book is organised into several parts, with eccentric title chapters such as: Whiplash: head injury or legal headache; Lawyers, junk science and chicanery; and Copycats and fashionable illnesses. The information presented does not always flow in a logical fashion. It is extensively referenced, and detailed annotated notes are provided in a separate chapter. This causes some difficulty in crosschecking. At the end of the day, these minor points make little difference to the appreciation of the powerful message he presents.

Whiplash is highly topical and has many stakeholders in medical, legal and social frameworks. That makes this book of interest to professionals across a range of disciplines. It is highly relevant to every musculoskeletal practice. A number of Australian authors are quoted in this book, as much local research has contributed to the controversy.

At $66.00, this book is good value for money.

Phillip C VecchioRheumatologist Princess Alexandra Hospital Woolloongabba, QLD