Health Consequences of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome is the result of an infant being violently shaken. Injuries caused by this type of abuse generally occur in children under the age of two years but can also occur in children as old as five years.

Treatment

• Immediate treatment is needed to determine if life-threatening injuries are present and to decide what action is necessary to prevent further complications or death. Treatment may include respiratory support or surgical procedures to stop internal bleeding.

Physical Injuries

• According to the State University of New York, shaken baby syndrome can cause vomiting, concussion, seizures, respiratory distress and death.

Psychological Effects

• Victims of shaken baby syndrome have an increased risk of developing mental illnesses such as depression, panic disorder, dissociative disorder, attention deficit disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

Behavioral Issues

• Adolescents who were abused as children are 25 percent more likely to exhibit behavioral issues such as poor performance in school, substance abuse and teen pregnancy. Parents who were victims of child abuse have a higher probability of being abusive to their own children.

Long-term Effects

• Shaken baby syndrome can cause blindness, paralysis, impaired brain development, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, growth problems, seizure disorders or learning disabilities.

Prognosis

• Infants who suffered severe shaking have a high probability of developing a neurological or mental disability. Some victims of shaken baby syndrome will require constant medical care for their entire life.