Retinal Hemorrhages are small hemorrhages on the back of the eye. Most experts do not agree as to the pattern, number, location, or type of retinal hemorrhages that point to a diagnosis of SBS or other non-accidental trauma. The mechanism(s) behind retinal hemorrhages in infancy in the context of alleged head trauma are unknown. Most reseach points to a mechanism involving rapid increases in intracranial pressure, cerebral venous spasm or increased venous pressure, and possibly hypoxia. Most studies do not support a mechanical etiology. The presence or absence of retinal hemorrhages and/or its characateristics is often used to determine whether or not the case is an accident or due to non-accidental trauma. Sometimes the retinal hemorrhages are accompanied by nerve sheath damage or bleeding in the subdural space of the optic nerve. This finding has been considered an indicator of a greater degree of damage. Other times the hemorrhages are referred to as dot and blot hemorrhages or petechiae. These are thought to suggest a lesser degree of force. Retinal hemorrhages in SBS cases are most often bilateral.