Shaken Baby Syndrome

May 28, 2015 – Volume 3

Shaken Baby Syndrome and the broader category of Abusive Head Trauma is a well-accepted and evidence-based diagnosis. Physicians who regularly work with pediatric patients and who are on the front lines diagnosing the cause of injuries to children, as well as respected and established medical associations, confirm that violent whiplash shaking of a young child’s head can cause serious and even fatal brain injury. In spite of recent media coverage and claims from some physicians, there have been no new scientific advancements that have undercut the viability of either diagnosis. Needless to say, any shaken baby/abusive head trauma prosecution should be accompanied by evidence that the accused party was the cause of the injury.

For more information, including information on defense experts, contact the National District Attorneys Association’s National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse. In addition, Prosecutors’ Encyclopedia has a large collection of materials, including expert transcripts.

Organizations that recognize the diagnosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma include:

  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • World Health Organization
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
  • American College of Radiology
  • American Academy of Family Physicians
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Association of Neurologic Surgeons
  • American College of Emergency Physicians
  • American Academy of Neurology
  • Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health
  • Royal College of Radiologists
  • Royal College of Ophthalmologists
  • Canadian Paediatric Society
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America