Child Abuse and Neglect

The debate over: Shaken Baby Syndrome" continues to rage in our country. Because there is very little scientific experimental or descriptive work, the pathophysiology remains obsure, and the relationship to mechanics even cloudier. The evidence that does exist has not been subjected to evidence-based scrutiny in a multidisciplinary scientific forum. This is why an experts' conference was held by the National Institutes of Health to bring together multidisciplinary scientists to evaluate and define boundaries of knowledge on childhood neurotrauma. The disciplines addressed included pediatrics, epidemiology, forensic pathology, neuropathology, radiology, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, pediatric critical care, public health, and biomechanical engineering. Included in this monograph are the latest acute and chronic findings on What is known (eg, published in the peer-reviewed literature) and the quality of scientific data, What is not known (eg, what would practicing experts in this field like to know) for the benefit of children and families, Appropriate scientific initiatives or investigations needed to address these research needs. Topics Include: Nomenclature, Differential diagnosis, Timing of injuries, Radiographic studies, Ophthalmic manifestations, Prevention. Medical professionals, law enforcement agencies, and legal professionals all will benefit from this analysis of the most current evidence on the subject of inflicted childhood neurotrauma.