Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
09:49

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: January 20, 2023

Subdural haematomas and physical abuse in the first two years of life

Victoria Trenchs1, Ana Isabel Curcoy, Ramón Navarro

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. vtrenchs@hsjdbcn.org

Pediatric Neurosurgery
|September 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Subdural hematoma (SDH) in infants is often thoroughly investigated. Shaken baby syndrome is the most common cause of SDH in children and is associated with poor outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Forensic Medicine

Background:

  • Subdural hematoma (SDH) in infants presents diagnostic challenges.
  • Determining the etiology of SDH is crucial for appropriate management and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the diagnostic work-up for infantile subdural hematoma (SDH).
  • To identify the incidence of SDH secondary to child abuse.
  • To evaluate the functional outcomes of affected children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of children under 2 years with SDH (1995-2005).
  • Exclusion of patients with predisposing bleeding conditions.
  • Analysis of diagnostic investigations including imaging and laboratory tests.

Main Results:

  • 20 cases of SDH were analyzed after exclusions.
  • Bilateral SDH in varying stages was common.
  • Shaken baby syndrome was the most frequent diagnosis (10 cases), with fractures (7) and retinal hemorrhages (11) observed.
  • Poor outcomes included 1 death and 9 permanent disabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Infantile SDH investigations are comprehensive.
  • Etiology can remain undetermined despite thorough work-up.
  • Shaken baby syndrome is the leading cause of infantile SDH and has a poor prognosis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain12:31

A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain

Published on: November 14, 2012

Murine Model of Controlled Cortical Impact for the Induction of Traumatic Brain Injury05:01

Murine Model of Controlled Cortical Impact for the Induction of Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: August 16, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...