Shaken Baby Syndrome vs. Traumatic Brain Injury: Key Differences

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a specific subset of abusive head trauma (AHT) and thus a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Not all TBIs are SBS.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

• Mechanism: Violent shaking → rotational acceleration/deceleration forces
• Classic triad: Subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhages, encephalopathy
• Often no external signs of impact
• High mortality (~25%) and severe disability in survivors
• Perpetrator usually caregiver; triggered by inconsolable crying

Traumatic Brain Injury (General)

• Any brain injury from external mechanical force
• Causes: Falls, MVCs, sports, assaults, blast, penetrating trauma
• Severity spectrum: Concussion (mild) → severe diffuse axonal injury
• Symptoms: Headache, confusion, amnesia, LOC, seizures, focal deficits

Critical Distinction

SBS is an inflicted injury with a distinct mechanism and high morbidity. All SBS is TBI, but most TBIs are not SBS. Accurate diagnosis guides medical management, child protection, and legal proceedings.