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Medical experts have cast further doubt on the diagnosis of "shaken baby syndrome", which is often cited as evidence of child abuse.

Writing in the British Medical Journal last week, doctors argue that bleeding from the eyes alone is not sufficient evidence to conclude that a child has been shaken hard - contrary to recent opinion.

Violent shaking should be indicated only when there is retinal damage and damage and bleeding in the brain, writes Brian Harding, a neuropathologist from Great Ormond Street Hospital. Damage to the neck or spinal cord and gripping injuries would give further confirmation.


An editorial concludes that, while these conclusions may make prosecution harder, "a natural desire to protect children should not lead anyone to proffer opinions unsupported by good quality science".

- See British Medical Journal issue 328, 2004.