Shaken baby syndrome: An odyssey

Abstract

Shaken baby syndrome is evaluated in the context of its historical evolution and its veracity in referring to causal injury mechanisms. A rational assessment of the injury causation and consequent pathological states associated with the syndrome is presented. It is now evident that shaken baby syndrome evolved as a result of a faulty application of scientific reasoning and a lack of appreciation of mechanisms of injury. A brief explanation of the commonly understood usage and interface of scientific methodology and reasoning as applied to clinical medicine is given.