Which symptoms can be associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Which symptoms can be associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome?

• A. Decreased appetite, poor feeding, and unexplained vomiting
• B. Increased appetite and constant energy
• C. Persistent coughing without fever
• D. Persistent diarrhea

Answer: (A)

Shaken Baby Syndrome involves head trauma from violent shaking that injures a baby’s brain. Because infants can’t describe how they feel, early signs show up as changes in feeding and digestion. Decreased appetite and poor feeding happen because neurologic distress makes sucking and swallowing difficult and lowers overall energy for feeding. Unexplained vomiting can occur with brain injury due to increased intracranial pressure and disruption of normal brain control of vomiting. Together, these symptoms reflect acute neurologic distress rather than a gastrointestinal or respiratory illness, which is why they are the most likely signs of abusive head trauma. The other options describe symptoms more typical of stomach, respiratory, or systemic issues and are not characteristic of Shaken Baby Syndrome. If SBS is suspected, it’s a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation.

Shaken Baby Syndrome involves head trauma from violent shaking that injures a baby’s brain. Because infants can’t describe how they feel, early signs show up as changes in feeding and digestion. Decreased appetite and poor feeding happen because neurologic distress makes sucking and swallowing difficult and lowers overall energy for feeding. Unexplained vomiting can occur with brain injury due to increased intracranial pressure and disruption of normal brain control of vomiting. Together, these symptoms reflect acute neurologic distress rather than a gastrointestinal or respiratory illness, which is why they are the most likely signs of abusive head trauma. The other options describe symptoms more typical of stomach, respiratory, or systemic issues and are not characteristic of Shaken Baby Syndrome. If SBS is suspected, it’s a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation.