Shaken Baby Syndrome Symptoms
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Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome
The severity of injury depends on the length of time the baby is shaken and how hard he or she is hit. Injuries caused by shaking are often extremely serious and can include:
Symptoms depend on the severity of injury. Injuries caused by shaking can include:
- Failure-to-Thrive
- Poor feeding or vomiting
- Seizures or spasms
- Weakness
- Semi-consciousness or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated or unresponsive pupils
- Swollen head
- Lethargy or irritability
In general, 1/3 die, 1/3 have major neurologic damage, and 1/3 survive in good condition. Of all the children with shaken baby syndrome, only 1/3 survive in good condition. Of the others, ½ (1/3 of the total) die, and ½ have major neurologic damage The severity of injury depends on the length of time the baby is shaken and severity of the shaking Injuries caused by shaking can include:
In many cases, there are no bruises or other signs of injury to the child's head or body. Visible injuries may include:
- Bruising of the part of the body used as a "handle" for shaking
- Fractures of the arm bones, leg bones, and/or ribs
