Warning Signs of Possible Shaken Baby Syndrome

This information was gathered from several sources, including the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the State of California, Health and Welfare Agency, California Departments of Developmental Health and Social Services, The California Consortium to Prevent Child Abuse, and Pacific Mutual Foundation.

Warning Signs in the Baby or Child

(Note: Not all signs need to be present for a baby or child to be in serious trouble):

Head turned to one side

Unable to lift or turn head

Damage to the spinal cord or rib cage

Pinpointed or dilated pupils

Blood pooling in eyes

Blood pooling in the brain

Pupils unresponsive to light

Unconscious, semi-conscious or lethargic

Difficulty in breathing

Vomiting

Pale or bluish skin color

Seizures or spasms

Swollen head (this might appear later)

Victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome can suffer speech and learning disorders, sucking or swallowing disorders, mild to severe retardation, behavior problems, paralysis, hearing loss, blindness, cerebral palsy, seizures, autism, or death.

If you see any of these symptoms in your child or someone else's child, call 911 (or your local emergency number!). Don't wait! The child needs medical attention right away.

For More Information:

Some states, such as New York, have pressed for laws requiring hospitals to educate all new parents about the dangers of shaking a baby. Some hospitals do this in person -- others have prepared a video. Advocates say such efforts have reduced the incidence of shaken baby syndrome.

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