Shaken Baby Syndrome: Defined

 

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome defines Shaken Baby Syndrome as "a term used to describe the constellation of signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting of the head of an infant or small child. The degree of brain damage depends on the amount and duration of the shaking and the forces involved in impact of the head. Signs and symptoms range on a spectrum of neurological alterations from minor (irritability, lethargy, tremors, vomiting) to major (seizures, coma, stupor, death). These neurological changes are due to destruction of brain cells secondary to trauma, lack of oxygen to the brain cells, and swelling of the brain. Extensive retinal hemorrhages in one or both eyes are found in the vast majority of these cases. The classic triad of subdural hematoma, brain swelling and retinal hemorrhages are accompanied in some, but not all, cases by bruising of the part of the body used as a "handle"for shaking. Fractures of the long bones and/or of the ribs may also be seen in some cases. In many cases, however, there is no external evidence of trauma either to the head or the body. "

The diagnostic criteria for "Shaken Baby Syndrome" or other forms of non-accidental trauma to children vary from courtroom to courtroom and between hospitals and medical examiners offices across the country. The definition of Shaken Baby Syndrome is based roughly on case studies written by by Dr. John Caffey but has changed significantly since his original theory based article was published in 1972.