Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Introduction

In the United States, shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of death among cases of child abuse. SBS results when an infant is shaken vigorously, causing the brain to shift back and forth. This motion causes the brain to hit the skull and results in intracranial injuries. SBS may also stem from an infant being thrown either onto a bed, against a wall, or other surface that causes blunt force trauma to the child's head. SBS usually occurs when the infant is grabbed around the torso and shaken, or by grabbing their limbs and swinging them.

The shaking motion typically occurs for between 5 and 20 seconds and often results in quieting the baby—the most common intended effect. The perpetrator, however, usually does not realize that the infant has stopped crying not because he or she was soothed by the shaking motion, but because brain damage has occurred. The shifting motion experienced by the brain in SBS is similar to what occurs during motor vehicle crashes resulting in whiplash. However, the type of damage that occurs from this type of movement can be more severe for infants than is typically found among other age groups and therefore can have more devastating effects. This is because infants' heads are disproportionately large compared with their bodies, and their neck muscles have not fully developed and are therefore not strong enough to support their heads (Runyan, 2008).

Victims

Most victims are younger than 1 year of age, and the average victim is between is 3 and 8 months old. However, it is not uncommon for children up to 4 years of age to be shaken. About 60% of victims are males. This may partly because of misconceptions that male babies should be treated differently from female infants. The higher prevalence among male infants may be attributable to gender stereotypes that male babies should “man-up” and learn at an early age to not be emotional or cry. Or, caregivers may wrongly believe that male babies are stronger and can better withstand more physical handling than female babies. Victims may be taken to the hospital or doctor for treatment after the incident. When asked by a medical staff member, many offenders will suggest that he or she was simply bouncing the baby on his or her knee, or that the infant fell off the couch. However, SBS will not result from these types of activities (Reece, 2000).

The movement involved in SBS is so violent that these motions will not result in the types of damage encountered after an infant has been shaken. In some cases, the injuries will not be noticeable until years after the incident. If the injuries are identifiable and congruent with child abuse of any kind, such as SBS or another form of abuse, then physicians are required to report any individuals suspected of child abuse to child safety authorities. Any medical employee who fails to report child abuse can face legal and professional ...