April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Brain injuries are among the most common causes of death in children under two years old. Pediatric abusive head trauma (AHT), or shaken baby syndrome, is the most dangerous and deadly form of child abuse. “Shaken baby syndrome” (SBS) is used to describe brain injury symptoms consistent with shaking a small child.

Causes of Abusive Head Trauma include:

• Shaking
• Blunt impact
• Suffocation
• Strangulation

Risk factors for AHT

Child abuse affects all communities. Parents or caregivers can often get frustrated, have a history of domestic violence, lack support from others, or behavioral health problems leading to AHT in infants.

Abusive head trauma harms infants because their neck muscles are weak and unable to support their heads. Even impact against soft objects can result in injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Abusive Head Trauma

• Decreased levels of consciousness
• Seizures
• Lethargy or apnea
• Poor feeding

Long Term Effects of Head Trauma on Infants

More than 50% of children between ages 0-4 will die before they turn 21 due to abusive head trauma. Approximately 65% of children with a history of abusive head trauma have significant long-term neurological disabilities. According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, more than 80% of surviving victims suffer lifelong disabilities.

Long-term consequences include:

• Learning or physical disabilities
• Visual disabilities or blindness
• Hearing impairment
• Speech disabilities
• Cerebral Palsy
• Seizures
• Behavior disorders or cognitive impairment

And survivors often require:

• Long-term education
• Occupational, physical, speech therapies
• Nursing home care

Prevention

Prevention is key. Reducing child abuse, maltreatment, and increased education are preventative measures to abusive head trauma. Organizations like the Period of PURPLE Crying Program and The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome both offer education to parents to increase skills and confidence.