Which neurological sign is commonly observed in Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Which neurological sign is commonly observed in Shaken Baby Syndrome?

• A. Rigidity or posturing
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Enhanced reflexes and coordination
• D. Persistent insomnia only at night

Answer: (A)

Shaken Baby Syndrome commonly causes traumatic brain injury that disrupts the brain’s control of muscle tone and posture. Rigidity or abnormal posturing reflects this damage to motor pathways and the brainstem, making it the most characteristic and readily observed neurological sign in SBS. The other options don’t fit the pattern of brain injury: an increased appetite isn’t a typical sign of acute neurological injury; enhanced reflexes and coordination would not accompany the impaired motor control seen after shaken baby injury; and insomnia by itself is not a specific or defining neurological sign of SBS. In real cases, observers should be alert for a combination of signs such as unusual lethargy, vomiting, seizures, irritability, and poor feeding, but rigidity or posturing stands out as the classic motor sign.

Shaken Baby Syndrome commonly causes traumatic brain injury that disrupts the brain’s control of muscle tone and posture. Rigidity or abnormal posturing reflects this damage to motor pathways and the brainstem, making it the most characteristic and readily observed neurological sign in SBS. The other options don’t fit the pattern of brain injury: an increased appetite isn’t a typical sign of acute neurological injury; enhanced reflexes and coordination would not accompany the impaired motor control seen after shaken baby injury; and insomnia by itself is not a specific or defining neurological sign of SBS. In real cases, observers should be alert for a combination of signs such as unusual lethargy, vomiting, seizures, irritability, and poor feeding, but rigidity or posturing stands out as the classic motor sign.