Shaken baby syndrome

Alternative names:

whiplash-shaken infant

Definition:

This is a severe form of head injury caused by the rebound of the baby's brain in its skull when shaken.

Considerations:

A baby's head is large and heavy in proportion to the baby's body. There is space between the brain and skull to allow for growth and development. The baby's neck muscles are not yet developed.

When an infant or young toddler (usually under 2 years old) is shaken, the brain rebounds against the skull causing bruising of the brain, swelling, pressure, and bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage). This can easily lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. Shaking an infant or small child may also cause injuries to the neck and spine. Retinal hemorrhages may result in loss of vision.

Causes:

Shaken baby syndrome is almost always caused by non-accidental trauma (child abuse). It is caused by an angry parent or caregiver shaking a baby to punish or quiet them. In rare instances this injury may be caused accidentally by actions such as tossing the baby in the air or jogging with a baby in a backpack.