NINDS Shaken Baby Syndrome Information Page

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NINDS Shaken Baby Syndrome Information Page

Reviewed 07-01-2001

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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

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 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 all studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 2A32 MSC 2425
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
http://www.nichd.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-5133
Fax: 301-496-7101

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

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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