Identifying Abusive Head Trauma in an Infant

Cureus. 2024 Sep 26;16(9):e70245. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70245. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a type of neurotrauma that accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by a constellation of neurologic and radiologic signs indicative of abuse in children aged zero to five years. Detection of these cases could be a challenging endeavor and is entirely contingent on the acumen of the healthcare professionals. It is imperative to identify suspected cases at the earliest to prevent developmental delays, visuomotor deficits, learning disabilities, and seizure disorders.

Keywords: abusive head trauma; intracranial hemorrhage; pediatric neurotrauma; retinal hemorrhage; shaken baby syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports