Abusive head trauma: Clinical, biomechanical and imaging considerations

The clinical approach to the diagnosis of abusive head trauma involves many medical specialties. Careful history, which includes an understanding of pediatric development, differential diagnosis of medical conditions and the types of injuries that can result in head trauma is necessary. The collaboration with radiologists, neuroradiologists, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons and many other specialists provides informative insight into a child’s presentation of head trauma, whether accidental or inflicted through an abusive act. This chapter informs the clinical and biomechanical evidence associated with injuries often seen in cases of abusive head trauma, and highlights how collaboration between researchers in both fields can enhance the safety and protection of children.