Developmental delays, learning problems or behavior issues.Survivors of shaken baby syndrome may require lifelong medical care for conditions such as: Many children affected by shaken baby syndrome die. ComplicationsĮven brief shaking of an infant can cause irreversible brain damage. The following things may increase the risk that parents or caregivers are more likely to forcefully shake a baby and cause shaken baby syndrome:Īlso, men are more likely to cause shaken baby syndrome than are women.

Shaken baby syndrome isn't usually caused by bouncing a child on your knee or minor falls. Shaken baby syndrome usually occurs when a parent or caregiver severely shakes a baby or toddler due to frustration or anger - often because the child won't stop crying. This causes bruising, swelling and bleeding. If a baby is forcefully shaken, their fragile brain moves back and forth inside the skull.

Health care professionals are legally required to report all suspected cases of child abuse to state authorities.īabies have weak neck muscles and can't support the weight of their heads. Getting medical care right away may save your child's life or prevent serious health problems. Call 911 or emergency medical help, or take your child to the nearest emergency room. Seek immediate help if you suspect your child has been injured by violent shaking. In mild cases of shaken baby syndrome, a child may appear normal after being shaken, but over time they may develop health or behavioral problems. Many children with shaken baby syndrome show signs and symptoms of prior child abuse. Injuries that might not be immediately seen include bleeding in the brain and eyes, spinal cord damage, and fractures of the ribs, skull, legs and other bones. While sometimes there's bruising on the face, you may not see signs of physical injury to the child's outer body. Shaken baby syndrome symptoms and signs include:

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