Brain Injury Consult to Medical Examiner
Level - GradYou are part of a research team who studies the biomechanics of traumatic brain injury. A medical examiner (ME) has approached you to consult on a case of a dead 10-month old baby boy that is in dispute. The suspected cause of death is so-called "shaken baby syndrome". Although three small hemorrhages may be evident of the description of this pathophysiology, he doubts that the baby was shaken to death. Using your expertise in biomechanics, you are to determine the probability that the baby suffered brain injury as a result of shaking. He intends for your report to be crucial in determining whether the injuries are ruled intentional or accidental on this charge of shaking. You accept the case and tell him you will report your findings in a 30 minute presentation to the Pathology Department Ground Rounds in 3 weeks.