Shaken Baby Syndrome Information Page
Shaken baby syndrome is a severe form of head injury that occurs when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause the baby's brain to rebound (bounce) against his or her skull. This rebounding may cause bruising, swelling, and bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage) of the brain, which may lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. The condition is usually the result of non-accidental trauma or child abuse. Symptoms may include changes in behavior, irritability, lethargy, loss of consciousness, pale or bluish skin, vomiting, and convulsions. Although there usually are no outward physical signs of trauma, there may be broken, injured, or dislocated bones and injuries to the neck and spine.
Is there any treatment?
Immediate emergency treatment is necessary and usually includes life-sustaining measures such as stopping internal bleeding and relieving increased intracranial pressure.
What is the prognosis?
Generally, the prognosis for children with shaken baby syndrome is poor. Most will be left with considerable disability. Retinal damage may cause loss of vision. If the child survives, he or she may require lifelong medical care for brain damage injuries such as mental retardation or cerebral palsy.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on trauma-related disorders, including head injuries. Much of this research focuses on increasing scientific understanding of these disorders and finding ways to prevent and treat them.
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 2A32
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
NICHDClearinghouse@mail.nih.gov
http://www.nichd.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-5133 800-370-2943
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
