Shaken baby syndrome is a type of abusive head trauma. It is a set of severe brain and eye injuries that occur when a young child is shaken vigorously or suffers blunt impact. The condition can lead to:
• Bleeding between the brain and skull (subdural hematoma).
• Brain damage.
• Mental disability.
• Loss of movement in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
• Uncontrollable shaking (convulsions or seizures).
• Vision impairment and blindness.
• Slowed mental, speech, and physical development.
• Delayed social and behavioral development.
• Muscle spasms.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Hearing loss.
• Death.
Shaken baby syndrome is a medical emergency and must be treated right away.
CAUSES
This condition …show more content…
Blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and other tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
This condition is usually treated with life-saving measures, such as stopping the brain's internal bleeding and relieving the pressure in the brain.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
General Instructions
• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child's health care provider. This is important.
• If home physical therapy exercises have been prescribed, have your child do them as told by your child's health care provider.
Long-term Care
It can be challenging to care for a child who has shaken baby syndrome. The effects of the trauma may not show up right away. The child may need extra help with things such as:
• Self-care.
• Education.
• Physical health and development.
• Mental health care.
You may not be able to give your baby the care he or she needs by yourself. If it becomes too stressful, talk to someone and get help. Ask for help from friends, family, health care providers, and social services if needed.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE