Paediatrics: Shaken Baby Syndrome: Free MSRA Podcast

🚨 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma): Protecting the Most Vulnerable 👶In this high-yield episode, we break down shaken baby syndrome (SBS), also called abusive head trauma. Learn the core triad, spot the red flags, understand diagnosis and management, and know why this topic matters so much for safeguarding child health.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition & Triad• SBS = severe child abuse from forceful shaking of an infant or young child• Classic triad: retinal haemorrhages, subdural haematoma, encephalopathy (brain dysfunction)• Most cases in infants <1 year (peak 2–4 months)📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Violent shaking by a caregiver (often in response to crying/frustration)• Risk ↑ with: young age, weak neck muscles, caregiver stress, mental health/substance issues, poor support📌 Pathophysiology• Rapid acceleration/deceleration & rotational forces• Shearing of bridging veins (→ subdural bleeds), diffuse axonal injury, cerebral oedema📌 Differentials• Accidental trauma• Other abuse• CNS infection (meningitis, encephalitis)• Bleeding/metabolic disorders📌 Presentation• Irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting• Breathing problems, apnoea, seizures• Bulging fontanelle, eye movement problems, visual changes• Severe: coma or death📌 Diagnosis• CT/MRI brain – look for subdural haematoma, brain swelling, axonal injury• Eye exam – retinal haemorrhages• Skeletal survey – fractures (new/healing)• Bloods, clotting, LP – rule out mimics📌 Management• SPR mnemonic: Stabilise (airway, seizures, neurosurgery if needed), Protect (child safeguarding referral), Rehabilitate (long-term MDT support)• Immediate medical care ± surgery, followed by multidisciplinary rehab📌 Complications & Prognosis• High risk of long-term disability: – Cognitive impairment, cerebral palsy, epilepsy – Vision/hearing loss – Behavioural and psychological problems – Some cases fatal• Early recognition and supportive environment can improve outcomes📎 More MSRA Resources for Shaken Baby Syndrome:📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/shaken-baby-syndrome-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/shaken-baby-syndrome-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/shaken-baby-syndrome-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/shaken-baby-syndrome-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Paediatrics Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/#MSRA #ShakenBabySyndrome #AbusiveHeadTrauma #MSRARevision #Paediatrics #ChildProtection #PassTheMSRA #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQuiz #Safeguarding #Pediatrics