The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the discontinuation of the use of the term “shaken baby syndrome” in favor of “abusive head trauma”.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the discontinuation of the use of the term “shaken baby syndrome” in favor of “abusive head trauma” (AHT). Pediatric experts favor the term “abusive head trauma” because it is a comprehensive term that includes the constellation of injuries and physical findings found in child abuse cases involving injuries to the head. The term “abusive head trauma” will provide more clarity in medical records and in legal proceedings. The AAP seeks to use the term AHT to avoid confusion in the general public.   

The term “shaken baby syndrome” has been challenged in court rooms when defense lawyers attempt to distract jurors with arguments that are more about semantics then medical facts involving cases of child abuse.  

The AAP made the AHT term recommendation in a policy statement released in the May issue of the journal, Pediatrics.    

The Keane Law Firm represents children nationwide that have been catastrophically injured by child abuse and abusive head trauma. 

http://www.keanelaw.com/
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Attorney Christopher Keane has devoted his Bay Area practice to representing children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by abuse, neglect, injury, or death. He is a member of the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center (SFCAPC), and is currently serving as the President on their Board of Directors. The prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers has awarded Christopher Keane a top rating and, reflecting his dedication to professional excellence. In addition, Mr. Keane is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum Top Trial Lawyers in America, listed in the top 500 Plaintiff's attorneys in America by Lawdragon.com and as a principal member of Keane Law has acted as lead plaintiff’s lawyer on a number of successful multi-million dollar cases.