What injuries are associated with shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome, also known as abusive head trauma, results from the violent shaking of an infant or toddler, leading to severe and often life-threatening injuries. The primary mechanism of injury is the acceleration-deceleration forces that affect the brain and spinal cord.

The injuries associated with this syndrome primarily include brain damage due to the tearing of brain tissue and blood vessels, which can result in significant neurological deficits. This can manifest as cognitive impairments, paralysis, and can lead to lifelong disabilities. Additionally, the impact on the visual system may cause blindness, as the shaking can affect the retina and optic nerve. In extreme cases, these traumatic brain injuries can be fatal, resulting in the death of the child.

The other types of injuries listed in the other choices, such as skin rashes, fractures, or hearing loss, are not the direct result of the violent shaking and do not capture the immediate and severe neurological and physiological consequences of shaken baby syndrome. The most critical outcomes related to this harmful practice are those pertaining to brain injury and potential death, which makes this option the most accurate representation of the serious nature of shaken baby syndrome.