Das Schütteltrauma-Syndrom

Vigorous shaking leads to severe injuries in infants. The Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS, also referred to as non-accidental head injury, abusive head trauma, etc.) is composed by the diagnostic triad of bleedings under the dura mater of the brain, diffuse brain damage (encephalopathy), and retinal bleedings. Bone fractures are a common feature of SBS. Scientific doubts concerning the mere existence of SBS are lacking substance. However, each suspicious case requires a thorough and multidisciplinary diagnostic investigation. In legal cases, a meticulous appraisal provided by a forensic expert is mandatory. Determination of the underlying causes can be difficult or impossible, if not all components of the diagnostic triad are present, or if internal diseases explain parts of the symptoms equivocally.