Shaken Baby Syndrome
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What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaken baby syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken. A baby has
weak neck muscles and a large, heavy head. Shaking makes the fragile brain bounce back and forth inside the skull and causes
bruising, swelling, and bleeding, which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. The characteristic injuries
of shaken baby syndrome are subdural hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain), retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in the retina), damage
to the spinal cord and neck, and fractures of the ribs and bones. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Symptoms
of shaken baby syndrome include extreme irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, breathing problems, convulsions, vomiting, and
pale or bluish skin. Shaken baby injuries usually occur in children younger than 2 years old, but may be seen in children
up to the age of 5.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
The Arc of the United States 1010 Wayne Avenue Suite 650 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Info@thearc.org http://www.thearc.org Tel: 301-565-3842 Fax: 301-565-3843 or -5342 |
Think First Foundation
[National Injury Prevention Program] 5550 Meadowbrook Drive Suite 110 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 thinkfirst@thinkfirst.org http://www.thinkfirst.org Tel: 847-290-8600 800-THINK-56 (844-6556) Fax: 847-290-9005 |
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Last updated February 14, 2007