Shaken baby syndrome?

Question

There has been this story going around myspace and the news about a little boy named kaleb.
His babysitter shook him and he has shaken baby syndrome.
From what I understand it causes brain damage.
But this baby is having other problems like infections, seizures, vomiting, and other things.
How can all these horrible things be caused by shaking a baby?
Please pray for the family.
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Answer 1

it sounds like the doctors had to insert a "bolt" in his brain to monitor intracranial pressure. it's possible that he developed an infection from this procedure- the web page says he developed meningitis. and seizures after brain injuries are very common.

it's really quite sad- i hope kaleb recovers, but the prognosis isn't good.

Answer 2

When a baby is shaken violently the tiny blook vessels between the brain and the skull rupture, causing hemorrhage and what is called subdural hematomas. This puts pressure on the brain and impairs its blood supply.

Additionally, the fragile vessels in the brain proper are torn, and there in hemorrhage into the brain itself. The blood vessels in the retina rupture and many shaken babies are blind as a result.

The brain centers responsible for automatic reflexes may be destroyed. Breathing may be impaired. If swallowing is affected, the baby may aspirate its secretions, causing pneumonia. Pneumonia is a common cause of death in brain damaged infants and children.