New Medical Terminology

In the era of being politically correct the term "shaken baby syndrome" is being replaced by "abusive head trauma".

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wants the term used as they feel it is more scientific and the new terminology takes its name from the effect (trauma to a developing brain) and not the cause (in this case, shaking a newborn with weak neck muscles.)

Changing the names of disease has been a regular practice in Medicine as we gather more information about the underlying causes of diseases. Historically, other diseases such as consumption, lock jaw, apoplexy, and blood poisoning, although still around, have been replaced with tuberculosis, tetanus, stroke, and septicemia.

Precision with the description is helpful as there are forms of child abuse that cause the same brain abnormality without actually shaking the infant. Jurors hearing the term “shaken baby syndrome” oftentimes infer it is the only way to cause the injury and makes the burden of proof more difficult.

The AAP announced its policy statement in the May issue of Pediatrics.