whiplash shake syndrome

a constellation of injuries to the brain and eye that may occur when a very young child is shaken vigorously while being held by the trunk or limbs with the head unsupported. This causes stretching and tearing of the cerebral blood vessels and brain substance, often with subdural hematomas and retinal hemorrhages, and sometimes with cerebral contusion. It may result in blindness and other visual disturbances, as well as paralysis, convulsions, and even death.