Acceptance of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma as Medical Diagnoses

Abstract

Our empirical data confirm that SBS and AHT are still generally accepted by physicians who frequently encounter suspected child abuse cases, and are considered likely sources of subdural hematoma, severe retinal hemorrhages, and coma or death in young children. Other than a high-velocity motor vehicle collision, no alternative theories of causation for these findings are generally accepted.

National study shows that abusive head trauma mortality in Sweden was at least 10 times lower than in other Western countries

“…This indicates that there may be hidden statistics in terms of missed cases of fatal AHT. On the other hand, an independent systematic review demonstrated that there was insufficient scientific evidence to support the beliefs held by many clinically active physicians who treat children, that certain physical findings, including the triad, are highly specific for AHT . Considering the result of the systematic review, the risk of false‐positive cases among deceased infants diagnosed with AHT also needs to be assessed.…”

Shaken baby syndrome is real

“…Review by the general membership of the SPR incurred negligible dissent. As with the recent paper by Narang et al [1] surveying pediatric health care providers, these endorsements provide substantial evidence of the overwhelming acceptance that shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma are very real and very common.…”

“…Unfortunately, controversy exists in the courtroom, in the media and online due to a few irresponsible individuals who continue to distort the medical literature and perpetuate implausible theories. There is little controversy in the medical community [1]. There is no "new science" that disproves the existence of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma.…”

The shaken baby syndrome report was not the result of a conspiracy. Response to Dr. Narang et al.

“…Previously, Narang et al. showed that approximately 85% of US physicians who frequently encountered suspected child abuse cases believed that subdural haematoma, severe retinal haemorrhages and coma and/or death were the results of shaking if there was no sign of impact . In our opinion, coma and/or death in this context would correspond to encephalopathy symptoms.…”