What can cause an infant TBI?

An infant traumatic brain injury (TBI) can primarily result from violent shaking or blunt impact. Infants have a fragile and developing brain, making them particularly vulnerable to trauma. Shaking an infant can lead to serious injuries, such as shaken baby syndrome, where the brain undergoes severe stress and damage due to rapid back-and-forth movement. Similarly, a blunt impact, such as a fall or being struck by an object, can also lead to a TBI, as the skull may not provide adequate protection for the delicate brain of an infant.

Normal developmental activities, interactions with older siblings, and exposure to loud noises do not typically cause traumatic brain injuries in infants. While each of these factors can affect an infant's development or well-being in different ways, they lack the severe physical impact necessary to induce a TBI. Therefore, recognizing the primary risk factors associated with TBI, such as violent shaking or blunt impacts, is essential for prevention and safeguarding the health of infants.