PEERATHAT CHOKEMUNGMEEPISAN, M.D.
Pediatrics
In light of the recent public discourse surrounding the issue of “shaking infants,” which has garnered considerable attention, many may wonder whether such an action can truly impact a child’s brain. The medical consensus is clear: yes, it can, and the consequences are not merely minor but can be life-threatening.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) can occur when an infant is violently shaken, causing the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This syndrome is most commonly seen in children under two years of age, as infants at this stage of development possess certain anatomical vulnerabilities: their heads are disproportionately large about their bodies, the brain has not yet filled the skull, and the blood vessels within the brain are still fragile. These factors make them highly susceptible to damage from shaking or sudden impact.
When a child is shaken forcefully, the brain's delicate blood vessels may rupture, leading to bleeding and irritation of the brain tissue. These internal injuries may present as a variety of abnormal symptoms, such as lethargy, lack of playfulness, vomiting, seizures, a bulging fontanelle, or other unusual behavior. If the condition is not promptly addressed, it may result in permanent disability or even death.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), approximately 25% of children affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome do not survive, while the remaining 75% are at risk of developmental impairments, including motor dysfunction, visual and auditory issues, and learning disabilities. These conditions may significantly delay or limit the child’s overall development.
Medical professionals emphasize that there is no definitive threshold. The outcome depends on several factors, including the intensity of the shaking and the individual fragility of the child. In some cases, a single incident of shaking can be enough to cause serious harm.
It is important to understand that crying is a normal behavior in infants and may be triggered by a variety of causes, such as hunger, discomfort, temperature, or abdominal pain. If a caregiver feels overwhelmed or stressed, they should take a moment to pause, stay calm, and seek temporary assistance from someone else. This can help prevent impulsive actions that may lead to unintended harm.
Moreover, although tossing a child playfully into the air may appear enjoyable, such actions carry risks. An infant's brain is not yet capable of withstanding repeated impacts or rapid movements. It is therefore advisable to engage in safer forms of interaction, such as playing peekaboo, using soft-sounding toys, or engaging in gentle touch-based games.
Pediatrics
