What term describes brain injury that occurs when a baby is shaken?

What term describes brain injury that occurs when a baby is shaken?

• A. Shaken Baby Syndrome
• B. Cerebral Palsy
• C. Hydrocephalus
• D. Myelomeningocele

Answer: (A)

Shaken Baby Syndrome describes brain injury that results specifically from violently shaking an infant. The jostling causes the brain to move inside the skull, tearing blood vessels and brain tissue, which can lead to bleeding, swelling, and lasting damage. Infants are especially vulnerable because their heads are large in proportion to their bodies and their neck muscles are weak, so even brief shaking can cause serious injury. This term is distinct from other conditions: cerebral palsy is a motor disability from early brain injury or development issues; hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid in the brain; myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect affecting the spine.

Shaken Baby Syndrome describes brain injury that results specifically from violently shaking an infant. The jostling causes the brain to move inside the skull, tearing blood vessels and brain tissue, which can lead to bleeding, swelling, and lasting damage. Infants are especially vulnerable because their heads are large in proportion to their bodies and their neck muscles are weak, so even brief shaking can cause serious injury. This term is distinct from other conditions: cerebral palsy is a motor disability from early brain injury or development issues; hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid in the brain; myelomeningocele is a neural tube defect affecting the spine.