a baby is considered to be in critical condition if her score on the apgar scale is below
Apgar score The test is generally done at one and five minutes after birth, and may be repeated later if the score is and remains low. Scores 7 and above are generally normal, 4 to 6 fairly low, and 3 and below are generally regarded as critically low.[3]
Abusive head trauma SBS may be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and overdiagnosed,[25] and caregivers may lie or be unaware of the mechanism of injury.[11] Commonly, there are no externally visible signs of the condition.[11] Examination by an experienced ophthalmologist is often critical in diagnosing shaken baby syndrome, as particular forms of ocular bleeding are quite characteristic.[26] Magnetic resonance imaging may also depict retinal bleeds;[27] this may occasionally be useful if an ophthalmologist examination is delayed or unavailable.[citation needed] Conditions that must be ruled out include hydrocephalus, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), seizure disorders, and infectious or congenital diseases like meningitis and metabolic disorders.[28][29] CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging are used to diagnose the condition.[11] Conditions that may accompany SBS include bone fractures, injury to the cervical spine (in the neck), retinal bleeding, cerebral bleed or atrophy, hydrocephalus, and papilledema (swelling of the optic disc).[12]