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Updated: May 9, 2026

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
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Published on: January 20, 2023

History of an abusive head trauma including a lucid interval and a retinal hemorrhage is most likely false

Marc De Leeuw1, Emile Aloïs Beuls, Philippe G Jorens

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, University Hospital Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|July 31, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A lucid interval (LI) is a period of consciousness after head trauma, suggesting impact, not shaking. This finding is crucial for accurately assessing abusive head trauma (AHT) cases.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Pediatric Traumatology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • A lucid interval (LI) is defined as a temporary period of consciousness after a head injury.
  • Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a significant cause of injury in infants.
  • The presence or absence of an LI can influence the interpretation of injury mechanisms.

Observation:

  • This study investigated the occurrence and significance of LI in 47 AHT cases.
  • Eight cases with a reported LI were analyzed in detail.
  • The study reviewed medical histories and compared them with existing literature on head injuries.

Findings:

  • A lucid interval is incompatible with inertial brain injury, commonly associated with shaking.
  • LI is more likely to occur in cases of direct impact or blunt force trauma.
  • The presence of "shaking lesions" alongside a reported LI raises suspicion about the veracity of the reported history.

Implications:

  • The finding of a lucid interval can significantly alter the assessment of AHT cases.
  • Recognizing LI is vital for improving the diagnostic accuracy in suspected child abuse investigations.
  • This research highlights the importance of detailed historical analysis in forensic pediatric evaluations.

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