Shaken baby syndrome
Causes Babies have weak neck muscles and often struggle to support their heavy heads. If a baby is forcefully shaken, his or her fragile brain moves back and forth inside the skull. This causes bruising, swelling and bleeding. Shaken baby syndrome usually occurs when a parent or caregiver severely shakes a baby or toddler due to frustration or anger — often because the child won't stop crying. Shaken baby syndrome isn't usually caused by bouncing a child on your knee, minor falls or even rough play. Risk factors The following things may make parents or caregivers more likely to forcefully shake a baby and cause shaken baby syndrome: Unrealistic expectations of babies Young or single parenthood Stress Domestic violence Alcohol or substance abuse Unstable family situations Depression A history of mistreatment as a child Symptoms Shaken baby syndrome symptoms and signs include: Extreme fussiness or irritability Difficulty staying awake Breathing problems Poor eating ...