Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma

Pediatric abusive head trauma is one of the most serious types of child abuse. AHT is a well-recognized constellation of brain injuries caused by the directed application of force to an infant or young child, resulting in physical injury to the head and/or its contents. This course describes all forms of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma, including the commonly known Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). It presents in a clear and precise way the characteristics and consequences of this medical and social problem that affects children of all socioeconomic levels, with serious consequences in all the spectra of life. Also describes how to recognize and help prevent pediatric abusive head trauma.

• Nurses
• Allied Health Professionals

• Understand terminology
• Identify the risk factors for head injuries resulting from abuse
• Describe the mechanisms of injury, clinical presentation, history gathering, physical assessment, and diagnosis of pediatric AHT
• Distinguish between accidental and abusive head trauma
• Discuss resources for prevention