An infant's neck is supported by weak muscles thus unable to support their heads independently. When shaken their brain moves back and forth in the skull causing swelling, bruising, etc. Shaken baby syndrome does not occur due to minor jerks and falls but rather due to aggressive abuse.
Immediate symptoms to look out for are loss of consciousness, shock, and seizures
Other symptoms include:
Vomiting
Extreme Irritability
Poor appetite
Breathing difficulties
Lethargy
Tremors
Coma
Swollen head
Inability to lift their head
Dilated pupils
If your infant is experiencing these symptoms, please consult a healthcare physician immediately.
Shaken baby syndrome can cause many irreversible medical issues like subdural hematoma (collection of blood between the surface of the child’s brain and their dura), subarachnoid hemorrhage (Bleeding between the child’s brain and arachnoid), direct brain trauma among many other fatal issues. Fractures in the baby's skull, ribcage, arms, legs, and collarbones may also be observed.
Dr Munish Raizada, a certified neonatologist, and CEO of Medbound Times shared his opinion on the Medbound Times app stating that stress, unstable family relationships, unrealistic expectations from the babies, and single parenthood can be the underlying causes of Shaken baby syndrome.
Shaken Baby Syndrome is unfortunately a reality. Stress, unstable family relationships, unrealistic expectations from the babies, single parenthood, etc are some of the underlying causes
Dr Munish Raizada, Certified Neonatologist, and CEO of Medbound Times
Risk factors of Shaken baby syndrome
Domestic violence
Unrealistic expectations of babies
Substance or alcohol abuse
Depression
Stress
Single or young parenthood
Diagnostic tests
X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with retinal examinations, can be performed by healthcare providers to diagnose this syndrome.
Do you suspect your baby to have Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Immediately call an ambulance as emergency treatment is necessary. Begin CPR if the baby stops breathing.
If the infant starts vomiting:
1. You do not suspect a spinal injury: turn the infant's head to one side to prevent the baby from either breathing the vomit in or choking.
2. You suspect a spinal injury: roll the whole body of the child with care while you support the neck to prevent aspiration or choking
