Shaken Baby Syndrome, or SBS, also now known as Abusive Head Trauma, refers to the group of injuries most commonly found in babies or young children who have been shaken. Subdural hematomas (bleeding on the brain) and retinal hemorrhages (bleeding behind the eyes) are the two main factors for determining whether or not a child is suffering from SBS. In more severe cases, rib fractures or long-bone arm fractures may also be found. With very severe cases, shaking is sometimes accompanied by throwing the infant onto a hard surface. This is called Shaken Impact Syndrome (SIS), and it is indicated by skull fractures in addition to other damage. Facial bruising or bruising on other “grip-point” parts of the body is not very common with SBS/SIS, but may also occur depending on the severity and duration of the shaking.

SBS injuries occur when a baby or young child is grabbed around his or her arms or trunk and shaken violently. The head moves back and forth in a whip-like motion, which causes the baby’s brain to bounce back and forth in its skull, leading to irreversible brain damage. Injuries may not be externally apparent, but most often cause permanent damage or death.

Each year in the United States alone, medical treatment is sought for an estimated 1,400-1,600 babies who have been shaken. Don’t let your child become just another statistic! Tell everyone who cares for your child “Never shake a baby!”