Shaken baby syndrome—an introduction to the literature

Abstract

Shaken baby syndrome is not a new phenomenon, with changes in the brains of abused children having been described as early as the nineteenth century. It is, however, a complex condition in which controversies abound. This introduction to the literature includes both medical and sociolegal perspectives on the history, prevalence and nature of shaken baby syndrome. Both diagnosis and management require a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, including input from ophthalmology and radiology. All professionals involved in managing shaken baby syndrome need to be aware of the many debates on the subject, including issues around a lucid interval following the trauma; the degree of trauma required; the mechanism of the injury; and differential diagnoses that need to be considered. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.