Brain Damage Hot Topics

Infant Head Trauma

An infant's head is very sensitive due to the fact that it not fully developed. Because of this, an infant is more prone to a serious head injury. One major cause for infant head injury is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). SBS is a form of inflicted head trauma caused by direct blows to the infant's head, dropping or throwing the infant, or shaking the infant vigorously. This is one of the leading causes of death in child abuse cases in the United States.

Does your infant suffer from infant head trauma due to someone else's negligence? If so, contact one of our Brain Damage Attorneys in your area today!

The effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome can be very severe and often include:

• Partial or Total Blindness
• Hearing Loss
• Seizures
• Developmental Delays
• Impaired Intellect
• Speech and Learning Difficulties
• Problems with Memory and Attention
• Severe Mental Retardation
• Paralysis

The vast majority of infant head trauma involving SBS occur in infants who are younger than 1 year old. The average age of victims is between 3 and 8 months old, but SBS occasionally occurs in children up to 4 years of age. Because infants don't have the strength to properly stabilize their heads during sudden movements, the child's head rotates about uncontrollably when they are forcefully shaken. This violent movement pitches the infant's brain back and forth within the skull. This action ruptures blood vessels and nerves throughout the brain in addition to tearing the brain tissue.

Does your infant suffer from infant head trauma due to someone else's negligence? Our attorneys can help you! Contact one of our Brain Damage Attorneys in your area today.

There are symptoms to look for to help diagnose Shaken Baby Syndrome. Some of the symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Poor Sucking or Swallowing
• Decreased Appetite
• Lack of Smiling or Vocalizing
• Rigidity
• Seizures
• Difficulty Breathing
• Altered Consciousness
• Unequal Pupil Size
• Inability to Lift Head
• Inability to Focus Eyes or Track Movement

Because an infant's head, neck, and brain are not fully developed they are more prone to serious and life altering brain injuries. If your baby has suffered any type of infant head injury, it is advisable that you seek medical attention immediately. If the brain injury was caused by the negligence of another person, you should also seek legal advise, as you may be eligible for compensation.

If you have any questions regarding the legal aspects of infant head trauma caused by another person, contact one of our brain damage attorneys today!