PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA
INTRODUCTION
Pediatric abusive head trauma – once commonly known as the shaken baby syndrome
– is a form of child abuse that results in traumatic brain injury. The peak incidence of
pediatric abusive head trauma appears to be in children between the ages of 2 to 4
months; the exact incidence of this injury is not known. Pediatric abusive head trauma
often results in severe and permanent neurological damage, and the associated mortality
rate is very high. It is often characterized by a diagnostic triad of encephalopathy,
subdural hemorrhage, and retinal hemorrhage and other serious injuries may be seen, as
well.
The traditional explanation for pediatric abusive head trauma is that it is caused by
violent shaking that results in shearing and breaking of blood vessels in the brain.
However, shaking alone likely does not – and cannot – account for the damage seen in
cases of pediatric abusive head trauma, the exact mechanism of injury is not known, and
the term shaken baby syndrome is no longer accepted by the medical community.
Detection of pediatric abusive head trauma can be very difficult, but detection rates can
probably be improved with education and vigilant screening.
This course provides an overview of the recognition and prevention of pediatric abusive
head trauma. Specific topics include etiology and risk factors, the clinical characteristics,
detection and diagnosis, working with the family or caregivers and the prevention of
pediatric abusive head trauma.
OBJECTIVES
When the learner has finished this module, she/he will be able to:
1. Identify risk factors for pediatric abusive head trauma.
2. Identify commonly reported signs of pediatric abusive head trauma.
3. Identify consequences of pediatric abusive head trauma.
4. Identify the mechanism of injury of pediatric abusive head trauma.
5. List characteristics of infant anatomy that contribute to pediatric abusive head trauma.
6. Identify a secondary mechanism of injury in pediatric abusive head trauma.
7. List circumstances that would indicate the need for an assessment for pediatric abusive
head trauma.
8. Identify two consultants that should be contacted if pediatric abusive head trauma is
identified or suspected.
9. List diagnostic tests that should be performed and/or may be useful if pediatric abusive
head trauma is identified or suspected.
10. Identify why pediatric abusive head trauma can be difficult to detect.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Head trauma is the most common cause of death in children who are physically
abused,1,2 but the exact incidence of pediatric abusive head trauma is not known. It has
been estimated that there are 14 to 30 cases per 100,000 children3,4 but there is
convincing evidence that the incidence could be much, much higher5,6 because these
cases are un-witnessed, parents do not voluntarily report the abuse, and because of
differing evaluation and reporting criteria for reporting pediatric abusive head trauma.7,8
ETIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS
Childhood development issues and family and individual characteristics can all
contribute to, and be risk factors for pediatric abusive head trauma.

Crying: As mentioned previously, the peak incidence of pediatric abusive head
trauma appears to be in children between the ages of 2 to 4 months. This is a
period of time in which inconsolable infant crying is relatively common. The
crying can be prolonged, unpredictable, accompanied by other behaviors that can
be upsetting to caretakers, and the infant cannot be consoled. Several authors have
found that this inconsolable crying is an important causative factor for pediatric
abusive head trauma.9,10
Learning Break: Inconsolable crying is a normal part of infant development. The infant
has prolonged crying spells that do not appear to be triggered by an obvious stimulus, the
infant appears to be in pain, and the infant cannot be consoled. This crying pattern can be
very difficult for the parent because of the length and intensity of the crying (some
infants will cry for hours), the crying continues day after day, it starts and stops
unexpectedly, and nothing the parent or caretaker does will appease the infant.

Gender: Male children appear to be the majority of the victims of pediatric
abusive head trauma (one study notes that male children accounted for 60.3% of
all cases).11 Males have been identified as more likely to be the perpetrators, and
the injuries the victims suffer when a male is the perpetrator are more serious.12-14
However, reporting bias may account for the higher reported incidence of male
perpetrators, and male perpetrators appear to be more likely to confess and more
likely to be prosecuted and convicted.15-17

Caretaker-victim relationship: Fathers appear to be the most common perpetrators
of pediatric abusive head trauma. Boyfriends of the mother appear to the next
most common, followed by babysitters and mothers. 18

Perpetrator characteristics: Parental or caretaker problems with substance abuse or
psychiatric disorders have been linked to pediatric abusive head trauma.19 If there
is a single parent and unrelated adults living in the house, it appears that the risk
for abuse (from the unrelated adult) is much higher.20 Other possible risk factors
include young parents, low socioeconomic status, unstable family situations, and
a child with a disability or a premature child.21.
CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA
Encephalopathy, subdural or subarachnoid hemorrhage, and retinal hemorrhage have
traditionally been considered to be the hallmarks of pediatric abusive head trauma.22,23

Encephalopathy: Encephalopathy is defined as a disorder or disease of the brain.
Children who have sustained abusive head trauma present with a wide range of
behavioral and neurological problems. Some of these are relatively minor; the
child might be irritable or lethargic. Others are very severe; the victims of
pediatric abusive head trauma may suffer from epilepsy, seizures, motor
weakness, and visual, cognitive, and sensory impairments24, and one author
estimated that neurological damage sustained as a result of pediatric abusive head
trauma was permanent in more than 80% of the victims.25 It is also possible that a
child who has suffered pediatric abusive head trauma may appear to be normal
and the trauma is found after CT or MRI scanning.26,27

Subdural hemorrhage: Subdural hemorrhage is a common consequence of
pediatric abusive head trauma, and cerebral edema and hypoxic injury are
possible.28 Subarachnoid hemorrhage can also be seen.29
Learning Break: A subdural hemorrhage is a collection of blood between the dura mater
and the arachnoid mater. The dura mater is the outermost of the three meninges (fibrous
membranes) that surround the brain and the spinal cord, and the arachnoid mater in the
middle meninge. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a collection of blood between the
arachnioid meninge and the innermost meninge, the pia mater.

Retinal hemorrhage: Retinal hemorrhage is seen in more than 85% of all victims
of pediatric abusive head trauma.30 Often there are numerous retinal hemorrhages,
but they may not be abundant and a severe brain injury does not always mean that
the number of the retinal hemorrhages will be high or that they will be severe.
There are numerous causes of retinal hemorrhages in infants, and it is important
for the ophthalmic findings to be considered along with the other clinical findings
and the story of the case. If the infant has massive retinal hemorrhages in many
ocular layers and a retinoschisis cavity in the macula, these findings are thought to
be almost certainly caused by abusive head trauma.31 (Note: The term
retinoschisis means a splitting of the retina)
Other reported clinical characteristics of pediatric abusive head trauma include apnea,
rib fractures, long bone fractures, skull fractures, and head and neck bruises.32
Unfortunately, in some cases of pediatric abusive head trauma there may not be obvious
injuries such as bruises, lacerations, etc.
HOW DOES PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA HAPPEN? THE
MECHANISMS BEHIND THE TRAUMA
The traditional term for pediatric abusive head trauma – shaken baby syndrome – was
first used in 1984. Ludwig and Warman described a case series of 20 infants who had
suffered physical abuse, and they (along with several other authors who had written
previously on the subject) identified shaking as the mechanism of injury for pediatric
abusive head trauma.33 This term – and the presumption that shaking was a form of
physical abuse that caused a specific mechanism of injury – was apparently accepted by
the medical community at large for some time.
This is no longer the case. There is considerable controversy as to whether shaking can
mechanistically explain the damage of pediatric abusive head trauma, or if shaking plus
impact are needed.34 The shaken baby syndrome postulated that intense shaking caused
rotational acceleration and deceleration of the head and because of an infant’s
proportionally large head and relatively weak neck muscles, the violent movement of the
brain in the cranial cavity caused shearing of blood vessels.
However some authors feel that shaking alone cannot be the sole explanation for
pediatric abusive head trauma35, and Squier states unequivocally that “ . . . shaking is no
longer a credible mechanism for non-accidental head injury.” 36 Shaking is definitely a
common form of physical abuse, and it may well contribute the trauma of pediatric
abusive head trauma, However, the exact mechanisms for pediatric abusive head trauma
are not known, ‘ . . . all the models and theories (of pediatric abusive head trauma have
known limitations . . . “,37 and in 2009 the American Academy of Pediatricians advised
that the term shaken baby syndrome no longer be used.
Regardless of the exact mechanism of injury, there are specific features of the infant
brain and anatomy that contribute to the brain injury associated with pediatric abusive
head trauma.38

An infant’s head is relatively large and unstable: This feature of infant anatomy
can mean that if an infant is vigorously shaken, the head – and the brain – will
experience rapid acceleration and deceleration

An infant’s brain matter is relatively soft and has a high water content.

An infants’ skull is soft and pliable, so force is more easily transmitted to the
brain.

The base of an infant’s skull is relatively flat and this allows for more brain
movement inside the skull.

An infant’s neck muscles are relatively weak and this allows for greater
movement of the head is response to force.
Once the initial, primary injury from mechanical forces has occurred, secondary
mechanisms of injury such as hypoxia-ischemia, inflammation, or hypoperfusion may
begin.39,40 These secondary mechanisms of injury appear to be more common in inflicted
head trauma in children than in accidental head trauma and the outcome for the infant is
likely to be very poor if hypoxia and ischemia are present.41,42
DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS OF PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA
Child abuse and pediatric abusive head trauma appear to be relatively common, but the
detection rate of these problems by health care facilities is presumed to be very low.43
Differentiating between accidental injuries and inflicted trauma is difficult, and detecting
abuse is also very difficult in the absence of obvious signs and symptoms and/or a
confession by a parent or a caretaker.44. Even when health care professionals have been
trained to use systematic screening tools, it appears that detection rates are low.45
Detecting and diagnosing pediatric abusive head trauma is critically important.
Detection and diagnosing this problem and can save lives and prevent significant
morbidity, and accurately diagnosing the absence of pediatric abusive head trauma can
protect parents or caretakers who have not abused a child. But there is no clear definition
of pediatric abusive head trauma to guide clinicians46, non-intentional injuries and
neurological and perinatal complications can cause a subdural hematoma, there are many
possible causes of retinal hemorrhage, and there are multiple medical problems that can
be mistaken for pediatric abusive head trauma.47 Pediatric abusive head trauma is
detected and diagnosed through a combination of awareness/suspicion of the possibility
in a given circumstance, a carefully taken history and a carefully performed physical
exam, consultations (e.g., neurology, ophthalmology), characteristic physical findings,
and appropriate diagnostic testing.
Detection starts by identification of parts of the history that indicate the possibility of
abuse. Consider an assessment for pediatric abusive head trauma: a) if the child has an
acute or a chronic illness or injury and there is no adequate explanation or an inconsistent
explanation, b) if the child has a severe head injury that is reported to have happened
because of a short fall or minor trauma, c) if there is an unexplained head injury in a child
who had previously been well, and/or d) if the child has a subdural hematoma, rib
fractures, retinal hemorrhages, or fractures of the long bones.48 Other warning signs
include an abnormal mental status, apnea, hypoxic ischemic cerebral injury, head and
neck bruising, seizures, or the need for CPR outside of the hospital.49,50
Learning Break: Parents or caretakers may say that the child sustained the
injuries/injuries from a fall. This is possible, but it is very unlikely that a fall could occur
to a child in the age group that typically suffers pediatric abusive head trauma and that
fall would cause a serious injury to the head.51,52 However, it is unlikely the scenario of a
short fall resulting in serious head trauma is not impossible.53
If the injury/injuries and the explanation – or lack of explanation – indicate possible
pediatric abusive head trauma, a CT or an MRI should be performed; this is mandatory.54
Plain x-rays should be done as part of a skeletal survey. These should include x-rays of
the skull, cervical spine, thorax, lumbosacral spine, abdomen, the humeri, forearms,
hands, femurs, lower legs, and feet. An ophthalmologist and a neurologist should
examine the child, and it may be helpful to consult with a pediatric trauma surgeon. A
full blood count should be performed to check for blood loss and coagulation studies
should be done to see if a coagulation disorder has caused, or contributed to the injuries.
WORKING WITH THE FAMILY OR CARETAKERS IN CASES OF
PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA
If child abuse and/or pediatric abusive head trauma is diagnosed, there are very serious
consequences for the family or the caretakers who are involved and for the victim, as
well. If there is a strong suspicion that an infant has suffered abusive head trauma, but
there is no confirmation of this (e.g., a confession, reliable witnesses), the adults involved
will have to be formally interviewed. The protection of the child and other children in the
family is the most important priority, but the tone of the interview should be respectful
and non-accusatory.
This process would not be a nursing responsibility and if pediatric abusive head trauma
is suspected, a physician should be notified immediately; pediatric abusive head trauma
would be considered a reportable event, and legal authorities must be notified. Also, these
cases are typically managed with a multi-disciplinary team involving psychologists,
social workers, and other health care professionals.
However, nurses are often the first health care professional to examine an infant who
may have been physically abused and the first health care professionals to speak to family
members or caretakers about these cases. In these circumstances, documentation is
obviously critically important. A careful physical evaluation of the child should be done,
and if there are any obvious injuries make note of their location, description, size, etc.
Illustrations can be helpful and some triage forms have ready-made illustrations/charts of
the human form that allow the triage nurse to mark the location of the injuries.
Photographs are often used and may be required. If photographs are used, they should be
carefully marked with the date, time, and the names of the people present when the
photographs were taken.
When interviewing family or caretakers, it is best to ask simple questions and allow
them to answer. Do not make suggestions about what has happened (e.g., did your child
fall down the stairs?) as this could be considered to be influencing the interviewee. When
you are documenting, use quotation marks to indicate direct statements from a parent of
or a caretaker. The nurse should be non-judgmental and objective.
PREVENTION OF PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA
Pediatric abusive head trauma may be likely to happen in certain circumstances, and
there are risk factors that appear to increase the possibility of its occurrence. But even if
these circumstances and risk factors are present, pediatric abusive head is not inevitable,
prevention programs are a key part of the approach to the problem, and there is evidence
that preventions programs can reduce the incidence of pediatric abusive head trauma.55
The Period of Purple Crying® is a prevention program that provides parents with
educational material that is delivered to parents by health care professionals. Purple is an
acronym that describes the features of inconsolable crying: Peak of crying (the pattern
slowly reaches a peak), Unexpected crying, Resists soothing, Pain-like face (the infant
appears to be in pain), Long-lasting (the crying can last for 5 hours or more), and
Evening (the infant typically cries in the evening or at night). The program creates
awareness about inconsolable crying and the problem of pediatric abusive head trauma,
and it appear to be well accepted and effective.56
SUMMARY
Pediatric abusive head trauma is a serious form of child abuse, many children who
have this injury inflicted on them suffer permanent neurological damage, and the
mortality rate associated with pediatric abusive head trauma has been reported to be as
high as 30%.57 Pediatric abusive head trauma has traditionally been characterized by the
diagnostic triad of encephalopathy, subdural hematoma, and retinal hemorrhage, but there
are other serious injuries that are commonly seen, as well. This injury was once called
shaken baby syndrome because the mechanism of injury was presumed to be violent
shaking of the infant by a parent or caretaker, but this explanation is no longer thought to
be true and the term shaken baby syndrome is no longer used. The exact mechanism of
injury is not known – it is probably a combination of shaking and impact trauma – but the
damage occurs from the initial mechanical force and then subsequent ischemia, hypoxia,
and /or inflammation. Most of the victims and most of the perpetrators are male and
inconsolable crying is thought to be an important trigger for this type of abuse. Detection
of pediatric abusive head trauma can be very difficult because there may not be any
obvious injuries, the abuse is often not witnessed, and parents or caretakers typically do
not confess.
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