Complications
A late complication of a spinal fracture is thoracolumbar kyphosis, highlighting the importance of considering prior trauma as a possible cause of idiopathic kyphosis.[87]
Psychological maltreatment often coexists with physical abuse. Both highlight a poor parent-child relationship and may induce long-term emotional and psychological consequences.
Physical abuse is often an ongoing process and has a profound emotional effect on the child. The victim may not be able to sustain meaningful relationships with others due to an inability to trust people.
As with any profound traumatic event, the victim of abuse may develop significant post-traumatic stress.
Developmental delay often results from both neglect and physical abuse. Ongoing child abuse affects the child's ability to learn and develop in a confident and secure environment.[179]
Brain damage is a frequent complication of abusive head trauma.[179] Children who have been poisoned or suffocated may also sustain brain damage.
Inadequate nutrition due to neglect and weight loss due to the psychological damage of child abuse can both lead to poor growth and short stature. Psychosocial stunting/short stature is a rare outcome of extreme neglect.
The mortality from abusive head trauma (AHT) is high. Around 20% to 30% of children who experience AHT die of their injuries. Abdominal injuries from physical abuse and severe immersion scalds frequently have fatal outcomes.
Of all forms of child maltreatment, neglect most commonly causes fatalities in the form of starvation, lack of necessary medical care, or lack of appropriate supervision.
In 2021, an estimated 1820 children died as a result of abuse or neglect in the US.[11]
Blindness is a recognized outcome following severe abusive head trauma and is usually due to brain damage rather than an injury to the eye. Retinal detachment or serious vitreous hemorrhage may also result in visual impairment.
Disfigurement and scarring can result from physical injury and are most commonly due to burns and scalds.
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