Head injuries in children caused by abuse

When a baby is violently shaken, thrown, or slammed against a hard surface, his or her head moves forward and backward rapidly. This movement causes the brain to hit the sides of the skull forcefully, leading to injury and bleeding in the brain. Brain injury and bleeding cause increased pressure in the brain, which can lead to permanent brain damage.

Shaken baby syndrome (shaking-impact syndrome) is brain damage caused when a baby is shaken, thrown, or slammed against an object. Shaken baby syndrome is a form of child abuse. It occurs in children under the age of 3 and is most common in babies less than 12 months old.

Young children are more likely to sustain brain damage from an injury to the head because:

• Their heads are heavy and large in relation to the rest of their bodies.
• They have weak neck muscles.
• Their brains are still developing.

You may feel uneasy if your health professional brings up the issue of child abuse. Health professionals have a professional duty and legal obligation to evaluate the possibility of child abuse. It is important to consider this possibility, especially if there were no witnesses to your child's injury.

If you think your child has been abused, it is your responsibility to call your health professional or contact the National Child Abuse Hotline and Referral Service (1-800-422-4453). Adults need to protect young children, who cannot protect themselves.