Is it acceptable to document the term shaken baby syndrome?

While children can be injured by shaking alone, there is often evidence of blunt trauma, so a more inclusive term, “shaken impact syndrome,” may be used. The triad of SBS refers to encephalopathy with a subdural hematoma and retinal hemorrhage.

Who coined the term shaken baby syndrome?

An American radiologist, John Caffey, coined the name whiplash shaken infant syndrome in 1974. It was, however, a British neurosurgeon, Guthkelch who first described shaking as the cause of subdural haemorrhage in infants. Impact was later thought to play a major part in the causation of brain damage.

Do parents go to jail for shaken baby syndrome?

In many cases when the child lives criminal charges of assault, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child are filed against the father of the child or the boyfriend of the mother. Normally a defendant will face a mandatory five year minimum jail sentence for these charges.

What is the new term for shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome — also known as abusive head trauma, shaken impact syndrome, inflicted head injury or whiplash shake syndrome — is a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler.

Can a baby recover from shaken baby syndrome?

The prognosis for victims of shaken baby syndrome varies with the severity of injury but generally is poor. Many cases are fatal or lead to severe neurological deficits. Death is usually caused by uncontrollable increased intracranial pressure from cerebral edema, bleeding within the brain or tears in the brain tissue.

What can mimic shaken baby syndrome?

Collagen disorders such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and others are recognized to make patients susceptible to bone fragility fractures, subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage and bruising. Child abuse experts often dismiss collagen disorders, or never even test for or consider them.

Is shaken baby syndrome Real?

Unequivocally, shaken baby syndrome is real. Unfortunately, controversy exists in the courtroom, in the media and online due to a few irresponsible individuals who continue to distort the medical literature and perpetuate implausible theories. There is little controversy in the medical community [1].

What can be mistaken for shaken baby syndrome?

How do they test for shaken baby syndrome?

Healthcare providers may use certain tests when a brain injury appears possible, including:

1. X-rays to see if the skull is fractured.
2. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the head and abdomen.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
4. Eye examination to look for evidence of retinal bleeding (bleeding at the back of the eyes).

At what age does Shaken Baby Syndrome stop?

Shaken baby syndrome is more common in children under age 2, but it can affect children up to age 5.

Can you pat a baby back too hard?

Patting should be gentle and reassuring. If you start to feel angry or upset, don’t use this technique – you might pat your baby too hard or too fast. If nothing seems to be working, it’s best to walk away and take a moment to calm yourself.

Can rocking a baby cause shaken baby syndrome?

Can bouncing cause shaken baby syndrome? No. Young infants should have their head supported at all times and caregivers should avoid jostling them or throwing them in the air, but gentle bouncing, swinging or rocking won’t cause shaken baby syndrome.

What do you need to know about the shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome is brain injury caused by violent shaking. It is also called abusive head trauma. Intense shaking causes your baby’s brain to bleed, bruise, and swell. This leads to decreased oxygen to your baby’s brain. It may result in permanent, severe brain damage and can be life-threatening.

What are some long term effects of shaken baby syndrome?

Long-term effects of shaken baby syndrome include: Learning disabilities. Speech disabilities. Visual disabilities or blindness. Hearing impairment. Motor delays or dysfunction, including paralysis. Behavior disorders. Cognitive impairment.

Is shaken baby syndrome a valid medical diagnosis?

Shaken baby syndrome has been a recognized diagnosis for several decades, though many medical professionals now prefer the term abusive head trauma. It is defined by a constellation of symptoms known as the triad: brain swelling, bleeding on the surface of the brain and bleeding behind the eyes.

What happens to a baby’s brain when a baby is shaken?

When a baby is shaken, the to and fro motion causes the head to flop forward and backward. The brain rotates inside the skull, damaging brain tissue. Blood vessels surrounding the brain may tear causing bleeding in the head. Blood buildup causes increased pressure in the skull, which leads to more brain damage.