Shaken baby syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), also known as abusive head trauma (AHT), is a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler. SBS/AHT describes a form of inflicted head trauma. Despite its name, the injury can occur from both shaking alone or from impact, with or without shaking. The violent movement causes the brain to move back and forth within the skull, leading to bruising, swelling, and bleeding of the brain, which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death.

Causes

The primary mechanism behind SBS is the violent shaking of a child, which can cause the brain to rotate within the skull, leading to cerebral contusions, subdural hematomas, and retinal hemorrhages. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable due to their relatively large head size, weak neck muscles, and fragile brain tissue.

Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms of SBS may include extreme irritability, decreased alertness, poor feeding, breathing problems, convulsions, vomiting, and pale or bluish skin. Long-term consequences can range from learning disabilities and physical disabilities to severe brain damage and death. Visual problems such as blindness or retinal detachment can also occur.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of SBS involves a careful history, physical examination, and often neuroimaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. Ophthalmologic examination is also crucial for identifying retinal hemorrhages, which are a hallmark of the syndrome.

Prevention

Prevention of SBS is critical and involves educating caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby. Programs that provide support and education to parents of newborns have been shown to reduce the incidence of SBS.

Treatment

Treatment for SBS is supportive and aims to relieve symptoms and prevent further brain injury. This may include measures to control intracranial pressure, treat seizures, and manage other complications. Rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may be necessary for long-term management of disabilities.

Legal Aspects

SBS is a form of child abuse. Caregivers found guilty of causing SBS face severe legal consequences. Legal definitions and penalties vary by jurisdiction, but all aim to protect children from harm.

See Also

• Child abuse
• Traumatic brain injury
• Pediatrics