Functional time limit and onset of symptoms in infant abusive head trauma

  1. Dean L Biron1,*,
  2. Doug Shelton2

Article first published online: 3 JAN 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01004.x

Issue

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

Volume 43, Issue 1-2, pages 60–65, January/February 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Biron, D. L. and Shelton, D. (2007), Functional time limit and onset of symptoms in infant abusive head trauma. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 43: 60–65. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01004.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    State Crime Operations Command, Queensland Police Service, Brisbane and

  2. 2

    Community Child Health, Gold Cost Health Service, Bundall, Queensland, Australia

*Mr Dean L Biron, School of English, Communication and Theatre, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia. Fax: +61 2 6773 2623; email: dbiron@une.edu.au

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 3 JAN 2007
  2. Article first published online: 3 JAN 2007
  3. Accepted for publication 24 August 2006.

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Keywords:

  • brain injury;
  • child abuse;
  • head trauma;
  • signs and symptoms;
  • violence

Aim:  To analyse medical and witness evidence collected during investigations of infant abusive head trauma with a view to (i) isolating cases where a functional time limit could be established and (ii) examining those cases for evidence of the onset of neurological symptoms.

Methods:  A retrospective study was undertaken of severe infant abusive head trauma cases investigated by the Queensland Police Service over a 10-year period. In cases where sufficient reliable (non-perpetrator) evidence was available, a functional time limit was documented. Those files were then examined for further medical, witness or perpetrator evidence of the infant victim’s response to the assault.

Results:  A functional time limit was established in 16 of 52 cases (31%). In 11 of the 16 cases there was evidence of an immediate neurological response on the part of the victim.

Conclusion:  The study suggests that the period between assault and onset of symptoms in infant abusive head trauma is brief, particularly in cases of an acute deterioration where proximate medical intervention is required. In those cases with sufficient evidence of the victim’s condition post-injury, the symptoms presented without delay.

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