Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Apparent life-threatening event or child abuse?

Muhammad Waseem1, Heidi Pinkert

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY 10451, USA. waseemm2001@hotmail.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|May 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) in children can be challenging to diagnose. This case highlights how ALTEs may indicate serious conditions, including subdural hematoma from nonaccidental injury in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Child Abuse

Background:

  • Apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) present diagnostic challenges in pediatric emergency settings.
  • The nonspecific nature of ALTE symptoms can mask serious underlying conditions.
  • ALTEs may represent subtle signs of child abuse.

Observation:

  • An infant presented to the emergency department with an apparent life-threatening event.
  • Initial presentation was vague, characteristic of many ALTEs.

Findings:

  • Further investigation revealed the infant had a subdural hematoma.
  • The subdural hematoma was determined to be caused by nonaccidental injury.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering nonaccidental injury in infants presenting with ALTEs.
  • Pediatricians must maintain a high index of suspicion for child abuse when evaluating ALTEs.
  • Early recognition and intervention are crucial for outcomes in abusive head trauma.

More Related Videos

An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime07:36

An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime

Published on: May 3, 2016

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults08:25

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults

Published on: October 19, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development01:14

Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development

The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report01:21

Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report

An Incident or Occurrence Report in a healthcare setting is a crucial document used to record any unexpected occurrence that may or may not have affected a patient, employee, or visitor. Such reports are critical to improving patient safety and include all details leading up to and including the event.
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
SBAR II: Application of SBAR01:14

SBAR II: Application of SBAR

SBAR is an effective communication tool used by healthcare professionals to communicate patient information accurately. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. For a better understanding, an example is given below.
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...