Domestic violence: the shaken adult syndrome 2000; 17: 138-9
Adults are likely to have their own version of the shaken baby syndrome, confirms a case report in the Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine. Shaken baby syndrome is a term used to describe the forceful and repeated shaking of babies and very young children. It is usually defined by bleeding into the eye, swelling or clots in the brain, and bruising on the upper arms.
The report cites a case of a 34 year old woman who arrived in casualty. She said that she had fallen down stairs after drinking. In addition to the same trio of symptoms defining the shaken baby syndrome, she had cigarette burns on her face and arms. Two days later she admitted that she had been the victim of domestic violence.
Two weeks later she still had symptoms of concussion, and three months later the sight in one eye was still impaired.
Domestic violence is frequently underreported, state the authors, accounting for half of all violent crimes against women, and an estimated two deaths every week. In most States in the USA, it is mandatory to report injuries caused as a result of domestic violence. While not advocating this measure, the authors suggest that doctors could do more to follow up suspected victims of domestic violence, not only to prevent them from being assaulted again, but also to protect their children and other family members.
Contact:
Dr Thomas Carrigan, Accident and Emergency Department, St James's University, Leeds.