Final answer:
Infant subdural hematoma due to abuse, like shaken-baby syndrome, can result in severe long-term complications such as developmental delays, neurological damage, psychiatric disorders, behavioral issues, and can be fatal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sequelae and complications of infant subdural hematoma due to abuse, such as those occurring from shaken-baby syndrome, may involve serious medical and neurological issues. These complications can include brain swelling, retinal hemorrhage, long-term developmental delays, cognitive and social difficulties, and in severe cases, even death. Symptoms of a subdural hematoma in infants can range from seizures, bulging fontanel, stiff neck, opisthotonos (spasm of the muscles causing backward arching of the head, neck and spine), and hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), to more general signs such as irritability, limpness, and feeding difficulties. Moreover, survivors may endure lifelong disabilities, psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety, social and behavioral problems, poor academic performance, and general delinquency. Consequently, the impact of such abuse extends beyond the individual, affecting healthcare, education, and criminal justice systems.