shaken baby syndrome

Etiology

non-accidental trauma or child abuse

Pathology

• occurs when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause the brain to rebound against his/her skull
• contusion
• cerebral edema
• intracerebral hemorrhage
• permanent, severe brain damage or death may result

Clinical manifestations

• changes in behavior
• irritability
• lethargy
• loss of consciousness
• pale or bluish skin
• vomiting
• convulsions
• generally no outward physical signs of trauma

Radiology

• x-rays may show broken, injured, or dislocated bones & injuries to the neck & spine

Complications

• retinal damage may cause loss of vision
• mental retardation
• cerebral palsy
• death

Management

• immediate emergency treatment is necessary
  • life-sustaining measures
  • stopping internal bleeding
  • relieve increased intracranial pressure

Prognosis:

• generally poor
• persistent disability
• if the child survives, lifelong care may be required

More general terms

• syndrome
• traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Patient information

shaken baby syndrome patient information