The most effective means of dealing with child abuse and neglect is prevention. Increased awareness of the scope of the problem and improved educational and social programs are required if we are to prevent children from becoming victims of abuse and neglect. Subdural hematoma, a history inconsistent with the physical examination, or retinal hemorrhages, should alert the physician to the presence of underlying child abuse. Thorough documentation of history, physical findings, radiographic studies and specialized postmortem evaluations are invaluable in substantiating cases of abuse and will likely result in appropriate social service or legal intervention. A history inconsistent with the physical signs and symptoms should prompt physicians to immediately consider a diagnosis of inflicted head trauma.
Prevention is the final answer to the growing problem of child abuse.