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shaken baby syndrome
Etiology: non-accidental trauma or child abuse
Pathology:
1) occurs when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause the brain to rebound against his/her skull
2) contusion
3) cerebral edema
4) intracerebral hemorrhage
5) permanent, severe brain damage or death may result
Clinical manifestations:
1) changes in behavior
2) irritability
3) lethargy
4) loss of consciousness
5) pale or bluish skin
6) vomiting
7) convulsions
8) generally no outward physical signs of trauma
Radiology:
- x-rays may show broken, injured, or dislocated bones & injuries to the neck & spine
Complications:
1) retinal damage may cause loss of vision
2) mental retardation
3) cerebral palsy
4) death
Management:
- immediate emergency treatment is necessary
a) life-sustaining measures
b) stopping internal bleeding
c) relieve increased intracranial pressure
Prognosis:
1) generally poor
2) persistent disability
3) if the child survives, lifelong care may be required
General
syndrome
traumatic brain injury (TBI)
References
- NINDS Shaken Baby Syndrome Information Page
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Shaken-Baby-Syndrome-Information-Page
- MedlinePlus: Shaken baby syndrome
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000004.htm
- Mayo Clinic: Shaken baby syndrome
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shaken-baby-syndrome/DS01157