Abusive Head Trauma (AHT)
Definition
Intracranial injury resulting from violent shaking, with or without impact. Findings include subdural haematoma, subarachnoid haemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury, and retinal haemorrhages. Previously called shaken baby syndrome, the broader term reflects that the mechanism may be complex.
- Key findings
- Subdural haematoma, subarachnoid haemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury
- Additional finding
- Retinal haemorrhages
- Mechanism
- Violent shaking, with or without impact
- Former name
- Shaken baby syndrome
Common questions
Why did the term shift away from shaken baby syndrome?+
The broader term reflects that injuries can result from shaking, impact, or both, and that the exact mechanism often cannot be determined from the injury pattern alone.
Are retinal haemorrhages exclusive to abusive head trauma?+
They are strongly associated but not exclusive; certain birth-related, medical, or accidental causes can also produce retinal haemorrhage, so the full injury pattern and clinical history must be weighed together.
What distinguishes AHT from an accidental fall injury?+
AHT typically presents a combination of intracranial, retinal and sometimes skeletal findings disproportionate to the reported history, while accidental falls usually produce a single injury consistent with a lower-severity mechanism.
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