Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma

Course Summary

Pediatric abusive head trauma, commonly known as shaken baby syndrome, is a form of child abuse that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The traditional explanation for pediatric abusive head trauma was that violent shaking of the child or infant by an adult caused shearing and breaking of blood vessels in the brain and the eyes; however, many authorities feel that shaking alone cannot account for the damage seen in such head trauma cases. The prevalence, recognition and prevention of pediatric abusive head trauma is important for health clinicians in emergency departments and in general practice. The following sections will discuss the mechanisms of injuries, the risk factors for pediatric abusive head trauma, and the clinical characteristics for specific injuries. This will aid clinicians with detection, diagnosis, and prevention of pediatric abusive head trauma.