Pearls and Pitfalls for the Pediatric Emergency Medical Provider in the Evaluation of Abusive Head Trauma

Abusive head trauma causes significant morbidity and mortality in infants and young children. The diagnosis of abusive head trauma can be difficult. Emergency medical providers frequently have initial contact with patients presenting with abusive head injuries. It is important for emergency medical providers to consider child abuse in the differential diagnosis of head trauma and to know how to perform a comprehensive evaluation when it is suspected. The pearls and pitfalls of diagnosing abusive head trauma are discussed in this article. Information on patient outcomes and the legal responsibilities of the medical provider are also described.