[SEIZURE IN A BABY - SHAKING THE DIAGNOSIS]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Abuse Research
• Forensic Medicine

Background:

• Abusive head trauma (AHT), known as shaken baby syndrome, is a leading cause of infant mortality from trauma.
• It primarily affects infants under one year old, leading to severe physical and mental disabilities.
• AHT symptoms mimic common childhood illnesses or accidental injuries, necessitating a high clinical suspicion for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges in identifying abusive head trauma.
• To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing AHT cases.
• To underscore the role of preventive strategies, including early case identification and parental education.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic criteria for AHT.
• Analysis of legal and social factors influencing AHT case management.
• Discussion of multidisciplinary team roles in AHT evaluation.

Main Results:

• AHT diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion due to overlapping symptoms with common conditions.
• Complex AHT cases necessitate a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach.
• Preventive measures involve early detection and educating parents on infant development and crying.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians must maintain a high suspicion for AHT, recognizing its potential to be misdiagnosed.
• Effective management of AHT relies on a collaborative, multidisciplinary strategy.
• Prevention is key, focusing on early identification and comprehensive parental education regarding infant behavior.