Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a Preventable Public Health Problem

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), a form of abusive head trauma (AHT) and inflicted traumatic brain injury (ITBI), it is a preventable and severe form of physical child abuse. It results from violently shaking an infant by the shoulders, arms, or legs. SBS may result from both shaking alone or from impact (with or without shaking). The resulting whiplash effect can cause bleeding within the brain or the eyes.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is often seen as a crime, but it is also a preventable public health problem. State and local health departments and community-based organizations have ties to broader resources and programs that work with parents and care providers and strong connections in communities. Many organizations can help us take a leading role in reframing the issue and engaging all members of a community to take part in the prevention of this form of abuse and death. 

Forever Shaken

"Forever Shaken" is a compelling 30-minute documentary by Brandon and Tiffany Verzal of V2Content, parents of a child who survived Shaken Baby Syndrome. The film shares the stories of four children, including the Verzals' daughter, who now live with the effects of abusive head trauma. 

Featuring insights from national child abuse experts, "Forever Shaken" highlights the impact of such trauma and offers key prevention strategies. 

Presented by the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska, the documentary was made possible through funding from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, and Children’s Nebraska.

For More Information

For more information on Shaken Baby Syndrome, visit the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome's website.