Pediatria pre prax 4/2005

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

Physical abuse is the main cause of injuries in infants. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the most often form of child abuse until 2 years of the age. The authors point out the necessity to distinguish the non-traumatic head injury caused by shaking and traumatic head injury, which is rare in infants. The present of non-specific signs of child head injury can be the first symptom of SBS and so in this case it is important to search for specific symptoms and to confirm or exclude SBS. The authors present the clinical, pathological and diagnostic signs caused by shaking. They try to mention the bad prognosis of these children and the importance of prevention.

Keywords: Shaken Baby Syndrome, clinical signs, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention.