Shaken baby syndrome is a throw in of severe child abuse when a parent or caregiver shakes a baby.
The shaking is usually done out of frustration when the baby cries for an extended period.
Types of Shaken Baby Syndrome Injuries
Shaken baby syndrome is dangerous and leads to several potential injuries.
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This movement can tear blood vessels, leading to bleeding and nerve damage.
It can also lead tobrain swelling, which increases the pressure in the skull.
They can occur right away or hours later.
Shaken baby syndrome is often not reported.
It can occur in children of all ages but is usually seen before age 1.
The average age of an infant with shaken baby syndrome is between 3 and 8 months.
Shaken baby syndrome usually triggers when a parent or caregiver becomes frustrated by a babys prolonged crying.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing shaken baby syndrome may be difficult because it often goes unreported.
If there is swelling in the brain, surgery may be needed.
These include:
It may be helpful for caregivers to remember that crying is normal.
It is the only way that babies have to communicate.
Prognosis
The prognosis for shaken baby syndrome depends on how severe the injuries are.
Shaken baby syndrome is serious, and the prognosis is usually poor.
It shows up when a parent or caregiver shakes a baby out of frustration or anger.
When shaken, a babys brain moves back and forth, hitting the skull.
This can lead to several serious injuries and cause long-term brain damage or even death.
Shaken baby syndrome may be difficult to diagnose because it often goes unreported.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injuries.
To prevent shaken baby syndrome, never shake an infant or young child.
Cleveland Clinic.Shaken baby syndrome.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Shaken baby syndrome.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Shaken baby syndrome.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Shaken baby syndrome.
Nemours KidsHealth.Abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome).
