Shaken Baby Syndrome
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a severe form of physical child abuse. SBS may be caused from vigorously shaking an infant by the shoulders, arms, or legs. The "whiplash" effect can cause intracranial (within the brain) or intraocular (within the eyes) bleeding. Often there is no obvious external head trauma. Still, children with SBS may display some outward signs:
Change in sleeping pattern or inability to be awakened
Confused, restless, or agitated state
Convulsions or seizures
Loss of energy or motivation
Slurred speech
Uncontrollable crying
Inability to be consoled
Inability to nurse or eat
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SBS can result in death, mental retardation or developmental delays, paralysis, severe motor dysfunction, spasticity, blindness, and seizures.