Critical Neurological Patient, when Child Abuse should be Suspected

Abstract

Intracranial lesions are the most frequent cause of death and morbidity in maltreated children. The presence of subdural haematoma and/or retinal hemorrhages is indicative of a type of maltreatment termed the ‘Shaken baby’ Syndrome. Infants younger than one year old are the age group most likely to be affected. Clinical history, findings from physical examination and certain radiological studies are all of critical importance for diagnosis. Differential diagnoses should be performed fundamentally with non-accidental head injuries, vascular malformations or congenital co-agulopathies. If there is any diagnostic suspicion of child abuse, the pediatrician should notify the judicial authorities so that an investigation can be initiated. The child’s protection is of the upmost importance from the beginning to the end of the process.