Shaken-Infant Syndrome is typically identified by the presence of which injury?

Shaken-Infant Syndrome is typically identified by the presence of which injury?

• A. External Bruising on Limbs
• B. Retinal Hemorrhages
• C. Fractured Bones
• D. Severe Lacerations

Answer: (B)

Shaken-Infant Syndrome, also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, is a form of abusive head trauma that occurs in infants and young children when they are violently shaken. One of the hallmark injuries associated with this condition is retinal hemorrhages. These hemorrhages occur due to the intense shaking motion, which can cause the fragile blood vessels in the retina to rupture. This type of injury is especially significant because it often occurs without external signs of trauma, making it a critical indicator for medical professionals when evaluating suspected cases of abuse. While other injuries such as external bruising, fractured bones, and severe lacerations may be present in some cases of child abuse, they are not specific to Shaken-Infant Syndrome and can occur in various types of trauma. Retinal hemorrhages, on the other hand, are a specific and classic sign of this syndrome, helping to differentiate it from other types of injuries and guiding further investigation and intervention.

Shaken-Infant Syndrome, also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, is a form of abusive head trauma that occurs in infants and young children when they are violently shaken. One of the hallmark injuries associated with this condition is retinal hemorrhages. These hemorrhages occur due to the intense shaking motion, which can cause the fragile blood vessels in the retina to rupture. This type of injury is especially significant because it often occurs without external signs of trauma, making it a critical indicator for medical professionals when evaluating suspected cases of abuse.

While other injuries such as external bruising, fractured bones, and severe lacerations may be present in some cases of child abuse, they are not specific to Shaken-Infant Syndrome and can occur in various types of trauma. Retinal hemorrhages, on the other hand, are a specific and classic sign of this syndrome, helping to differentiate it from other types of injuries and guiding further investigation and intervention.