Child abuse can take the form of physical cruelty, neglect, or emotional or sexual abuse.  Abuse-related craniocerebral trauma or non-accidental head injury (NAHI) accounts for only a small proportion of all child abuse, but is conspicuously over-represented in the first year of life. NAHI is the most frequent non-natural cause of death in infancy, and the most common cause of death overall between the ages of 6 and 12 months. The clinical spectrum ranges from trivial bruising to severe trauma with fatal outcome. The shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a common form of NAHI in which the victim is held by the torso or the extremities and violently shaken, causing abrupt uncontrolled head movements with a marked rotatory component. Clinically, SBS is characterized by signs of severe diffuse cerebral trauma, i.e., acute encephalopathy, subdural hemorrhage, and retinal hemorrhage, occasionally accompanied by various combinations of metaphyseal fractures or rib fractures. The explanation provided for the injuries is frequently inadequate or inconsistent. Recent, sometimes emotionally tinged scientific controversy over the diagnostic value of subdural hemorrhage in infants has further increased the uncertainty. Against the backdrop of recent well-publicized cases of fatal child abuse, an attempt has been made in this Booklet to depict the current state of knowledge on Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), to review the scientific literature and summarize the recommendation of national and international expert panels. …Dr. H. K. Saboowala. M.B.(Bom) .M.R.S.H.(London)

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) has become a leading issue for those who are involved with the evaluation of an response to child maltreatment.

Since the early 2000s, a growing body of scientific studies in neuropathology, neurology, neurosurgery, biomechanics, statistics, criminology and psychology has cast doubt on the forensic reliability of medical determinations of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), more recently termed Abusive Head Trauma (AHT). Studies have increasingly documented that accidental short falls and a wide range of medical conditions, can cause the same symptoms and findings associated with this syndrome. Nevertheless, inaccurate diagnoses, unrealistic confidence expression, and wrongful convictions continue to this day. Bringing together contributions from a multidisciplinary expert panel of 32 professionals across 8 countries in 16 different specialties, this landmark book tackles the highly controversial topic of SBS, which lies at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With comprehensive coverage across multiple disciplines, it explains the scientific evidence challenging SBS and advances efforts to evaluate how deaths and serious brain injuries in infants should be analysed and investigated.

This book surveys the scientific, cultural, and legal history of Shaken Baby Syndrome from inception to formal dissolution. It exposes extraordinary failings in the criminal justice system's treatment of what is, in essence, a medical diagnosis of murder.--Publisher's description.

All it takes is two or three violent shakes -- in as little as five seconds by an angry parent or caregiver -- to punish or quiet a crying child. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of abuse related deaths among infants. Nearly one-third of shaken babies die, with as high as 80 percent of survivors suffering permanent brain damage. InLosing Patience, James Peinkofer provides an encompassing look into the famous and recent cases (Virginia Jaspers, Patience Gill, and Louise Woodward) and key medical personnel that helped shape and define Shaken Baby Syndrome. He identifies the victimology (which infants and children are most vulnerable), what to look out for in a caregiver, and what a family should do if they suspect SBS. He also provides prevention efforts, ways to soothe a crying baby, and stories from the families and survivors. Losing Patience is a must-read for every parent, grandparent, and caregiver. The life that's saved may be your tiny loved one's.

This book presents the latest findings about the impact, long-term effects and diagnosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome.