Abnormal Development - Shaken Baby Syndrome

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Introduction

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is used to describe the spectrum of neurological (eye, brain, subdural haemorrhage) and other (skeletal) injuries resulting from forcibly shaking an infant.

NIH Information Sheet

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome is a severe form of head injury that occurs when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause the baby’s brain to rebound (bounce) against his or her skull. This rebounding may cause bruising, swelling, and bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage) of the brain, which may lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. The condition is usually the result of non-accidental trauma or child abuse. In rare instances it may be caused by tossing a baby in the air or jogging with a baby in a backpack. Symptoms may include changes in behavior, irritability, lethargy, loss of consciousness, pale or bluish skin, vomiting, and convulsions. Although there usually are no outward physical signs of trauma, there may be broken, injured, or dislocated bones and injuries to the neck and spine.

Is there any treatment?

Immediate emergency treatment is necessary and usually includes life-sustaining measures such as stopping internal bleeding and relieving increased intracranial pressure.

What is the prognosis?

Generally, the prognosis for children with shaken baby syndrome is poor. Most will be left with considerable disability. Retinal damage may cause loss of vision. If the child survives, he or she may require lifelong medical care for brain damage injuries such as mental retardation or cerebral palsy.

What research is being done?

The NINDS conducts and supports research on trauma-related disorders, including head injuries. Much of this research focuses on increasing scientific understanding of these disorders and finding ways to prevent and treat them.

Where can I find more information?

These articles, available from a medical library, are sources of in-depth information on shaken baby syndrome:

Alexander, R, et al. "Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intracranial Injuries from Child Abuse." Journal of Pediatrics, 109:6; 975-979 (1986).

Frank, Y, et al. "Neurological Manifestations in Abused Children Who Have Been Shaken." Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 27; 312-316 (1985).

Joynt, R (ed). Clinical Neurology, vol. 3, Chapter 30, J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, p. 62 (1990).

Spaide, R, et al. "Shaken Baby Syndrome." American Family Physician, 41:4; 1145-1152 (April 1990).

Additional information is available from the following organization (last updated 3-6-00):

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Building 31, Room 2A32

Bethesda, MD 20892-2425

(301) 496-5133

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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, April 19) Embryology Abnormal Development - Shaken Baby Syndrome. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Abnormal_Development_-_Shaken_Baby_Syndrome

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