Battered Child Syndrome: Diagnosis

Battered child syndrome is most often diagnosed by an emergency room physician or pediatrician, or by teachers or social workers. Physical examination will detect bruises, burns, swelling, retinal hemorrhages. X rays, and other imaging techniques, such as MRI or scans may confirm fractures or other internal injuries. The presence of injuries at different stages of healing (i.e. having occurred at different times) is nearly always indicative of BCS. Establishing the diagnosis is often hindered by the excessive cautiousness of caregivers or by actual concealment of the true origin of the childs injuries, as a result of fear, shame and avoidance or denial mechanisms.

— Mary Jane Tenerelli