Shaken Baby Syndrome

SBS Facts 1,200-1,600 reported cases of SBS occur each year in the United States alone. 25-35% of SBS victims die from their injuries Remaining 75% often suffer permanent injury and lifelong disabilities Most common cause of death in abused infants and young children. Most SBS victims are less than one year old Majority are under 6 months

The Perpetrators 60-70% of SBS perpetrators are male, usually the child’s father or mother’s boyfriend. Others include mothers, grandparents, stepparents, other relatives, childcare providers. Most cases, inconsolable crying is the number one trigger of shaking an infant. Anyone who may become frustrated is capable of shaking an infant.

Unique Infant Characteristics Heavy Head – 25% of total body weight Weak neck muscles – disproportionate to large head Fragile, undeveloped brain – easily injured by shaking Delicate blood vessels around brain – susceptible to tearing Large space inside skull – increases force

During a Shaking Affected 1st: Back of the brain (occipital lobe) Associated Injury: Vision Affected 2nd: Front of the brain (frontal lobe) Associated Injury: Memory and emotion Affected 3rd: Middle of the brain (parietal lobe) Associated Injury: Movement of arms and legs, speech, or even death

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