AHT
Medical abbreviation · Pediatric & Neonatal
| Stands for | Abusive head trauma |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
AHT stands for Abusive head trauma, a pediatric & neonatal abbreviation.
Inflicted injury to the skull or brain of an infant or young child by shaking, impact or both, often causing subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhages and brain injury. It is the leading cause of fatal child abuse in children under two.
Example: Subdural hematomas and multilayer retinal hemorrhages, no plausible history: AHT concern, child abuse team and CPS.
Usage notes
The AAP recommended "abusive head trauma" in 2009 to replace "shaken baby syndrome", because injuries can result from mechanisms other than shaking. Crying is the most common trigger, and programs such as the Period of PURPLE Crying teach parents coping strategies. Evaluation includes skeletal survey and eye exam.
Related abbreviations
More pediatric & neonatal abbreviations
- AGE – Acute gastroenteritis
- ALTE – Apparent life-threatening event
- APGAR – Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration (Apgar score)
- BRUE – Brief resolved unexplained event
- CCHD – Critical congenital heart disease
- DD – Developmental delay
- DOL – Day of life
- DTaP – Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine
- EI – Early intervention
- ELBW – Extremely low birth weight
- FASD – Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
- FTT – Failure to thrive
See all 51 pediatric & neonatal abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.