intracranial injuries where child maltreatment should be suspected

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • child maltreatment should be suspected if a child has an intracranial injury in the absence of major confirmed accidental trauma or known medical cause, in one or more of the following circumstances:
    • the explanation is absent or unsuitable
    • the child is aged under 3 years
    • there are also: retinal haemorrhages or rib or long bone fractures or other associated inflicted injuries
    • there are multiple subdural haemorrhages with or without subarachnoid haemorrhage with or without hypoxic ischaemic damage (damage due to lack of blood and oxygen supply) to the brain.
  • for the purposes of this guideline, NICE state that to suspect child maltreatment means a serious level of concern about the possibility of child maltreatment but is not proof of it

Reference:

Related pages:

physical abuse in a child

features of non-accidental injury (injury that should raise concerns) in a child in comparison to features suggestive of an accidental injury in a child