Symptom 10: The Unavoidable Conclusion – Coma
Among the most severe symptoms of shaken baby syndrome is the onset of a coma. This refers to a state of unconsciousness where the infant cannot be awakened. The occurrence of a coma signifies substantial brain damage, often the culmination of severe traumatic brain injury.
A coma in SBS isn’t typically an initial symptom. Instead, it follows a progression of other neurological signs. From subtle changes in behavior to the more noticeable seizures, a coma usually represents a late-stage manifestation of SBS. As such, it’s often associated with a high severity of injury.
The onset of a coma due to SBS is a medical emergency. Every moment is critical, and immediate intervention is required. It’s important to remember that even when a child survives the initial trauma, the prognosis remains uncertain due to the severity of brain injury involved.
Once a child with SBS reaches a state of coma, the long-term outcomes are often disheartening. Many face lifelong neurological issues that profoundly affect their quality of life. Regrettably, for some children, the damage might be so extensive that it leads to fatality, emphasizing the tragic reality of SBS.
Coma as a result of SBS represents a crucial turning point. At this stage, the focus shifts from immediate survival to managing the long-term implications of the injury. Even in cases where the child emerges from the coma, they may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation for years to come. (10)
