Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Identifying Characteristics in Abusive Head Trauma: A Single-Institution Experience
Ashly C Westrick1, Marjorie Moore, Steve Monk
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn., USA.
Insights
Abusive head trauma (AHT) disproportionately affects young Caucasian males, often the youngest sibling. Injuries occurred during summer weekdays, with subdural hematomas being common.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a critical factor in pediatric morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding AHT patient demographics and injury patterns is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in AHT cases at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.
- To characterize the population of children treated for AHT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 139 children treated for AHT between January 2006 and April 2013.
- Data collection included demographics, injury timing, diagnosis, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores.
Main Results:
- The cohort was predominantly Caucasian males (61%) and youngest siblings (86.3%).
- Median age was 5 months; injuries peaked in summer (31%) and on weekdays (63%).
- Subdural hematomas (79%) and low GCS scores (42% ≤ 8) were frequent; 25 deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- This study details the AHT patient profile at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.
- Further prospective research is needed to explore social determinants contributing to AHT.
Abstract:
Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to better understand the trends centered on AHT patients treated at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. A retrospective study of 139 children undergoing treatment and management for traumatic brain injury due to abuse between January 2006 and April 2013 at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital was conducted. Caucasian males made up 61% and the youngest sibling represented 86.3% of our cohort. The median age was 5 months with injuries occurring during summertime and on weekdays, 31 and 63%, respectively. Seventy-nine percent were diagnosed with subdural hematomas, and 42% had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 8 or less. A total of 25 patients, median age 8.6 months, died during our study period. The results of this study describe the AHT population at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Future studies should prospectively assess this population to better understand social factors involved in AHT.
More Related Videos
09:49Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
08:27Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 11, 2025
