Shaken Baby Syndrome
Alternate Names : Whiplash - Shaken Infant
Definition This is a severe form of head injury caused by violently shaking an infant or child. It usually occurs in children younger than 2 years old but may be seen in children up to the age of 5. The violent shaking may result in severe injuries to the infant including permanent brain damage and may cause death.
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Overview & Considerations
All of these factors make infants highly vulnerable to whiplash forces:
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A baby's head is large and heavy in proportion to his or her body. For this reason, when a baby is dropped or thrown, he or she will tend to land on his head.
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There is space between the brain and skull to allow for growth and development.
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Babies' neck muscles and ligaments are weak and not fully developed.
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When an infant or toddler is shaken, the skull is not yet strong enough to absorb much force. The force, therefore, is transmitted to the brain, which rebounds against the skull. This can cause bruising of the brain (cerebral contusion), swelling, pressure, and bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage).
The large veins along the outside of the brain are also vulnerable and may tear with these injuries. Damage to these veins can lead to further bleeding, swelling, and increased pressure (subdural hematoma). This can easily cause permanent, severe brain damage or death.
Shaking an infant or small child may cause other injuries, such as damage to the neck, spine, and eyes. Eye damage is very common and may result in loss of vision (retinal hemorrhage).
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