Case Report October 15, 2025 October 15, 2025

Shaken baby syndrome evaluated in ophthalmological emergency room

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20250070

ABSTRACT

Children with Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) often present with multi-layered retinal hemorrhages, with risks of retinal detachment, macular retinoschisis, and vitreous hemorrhages, depending on the impact of the head trauma. Permanent damage to vision can result from direct injury to the eyes or brain, the latter being the main cause of visual impairment. Retinal scarring and optic nerve atrophy are usually irreversible and can appear months after the injury. Ophthalmological findings can provide meaningful diagnostic data to the multidisciplinary team, especially in situations where there is little external evidence of abuse. This study reports the case of a 2-month-old child admitted to the Santo André Municipal Hospital Center and diagnosed with SBS.