In:
Journal of Forensic Sciences, Wiley, Vol. 56, No. 6 ( 2011-11), p. 1648-1653
Abstract:
Abstract: We describe an infant with an acute subdural hematoma, a fatal head injury, and severe hemorrhagic retinopathy caused by a stairway fall. His cerebral and ocular findings are considered diagnostic of abusive head trauma by many authors. Our literature search of serious injuries or fatalities from stairway or low‐height falls involving young children yielded 19 articles of primary data. These articles are discrepant, making the classification of a young child’s death following a reported short fall problematic. This case report contradicts the prevalent belief of many physicians dealing with suspected child abuse that low‐height falls by young children are without exception benign occurrences and cannot cause fatal intracranial injuries and severe retinal hemorrhages. The irreparable harm to a caregiver facing an erroneous allegation of child abuse requires physicians to thoroughly investigate and correctly classify pediatric accidental head injuries.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1198
,
1556-4029
DOI:
10.1111/jfo.2011.56.issue-6
DOI:
10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01892.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2011
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2026357-0
SSG:
2,1
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