The Terrible Diagnosis: The

The Terrible Diagnosis: The “Shaken Baby Syndrome” Puts the Health of Anabel Pantoja's Daughter in Check

New forensic report reveals the possible cause of little Alma's serious brain injuries

The Spanish social chronicle is shaken once again by an extremely serious event involving the Pantoja family. Little Alma, daughter of Anabel Pantoja and David Rodríguez, was urgently admitted last January 2025 after suffering serious brain injuries. A recent forensic report has shed light on the possible causes, pointing to the devastating “shaken baby syndrome.”

This syndrome, a form of traumatic brain injury, occurs when a baby is shaken violently. The consequences can be irreversible, even being fatal. The brain of infants, still in full development, moves abruptly within the skull, causing hemorrhages, inflammation and severe neuronal damage.

The statistics are alarming: between a 10% and 30% of babies affected by this syndrome die. Those who survive often face permanent neurological sequelae. Speed in medical intervention is, therefore, crucial to try to mitigate the damage.

So far, no legal actions have been initiated against the minor's parents, and the judicial investigation is pending. However, the dissemination of information about this syndrome is vital to raise awareness of its extreme danger and prevent future incidents.

Identifying the symptoms of “shaken baby syndrome” is not always easy. The signs can vary from a unusual sleepiness and difficulty feeding, up to vomiting or less interaction with their environment. In more severe cases, seizures, breathing problems, loss of consciousness, coma or, in the most critical situations, a cardiorespiratory arrest.

These shakes frequently occur in moments of parental desperation, when the baby does not stop crying despite having tried all the conventional strategies to calm him down. Medical recommendations are unanimous: in the face of inconsolable and persistent crying, the safest thing is to leave the baby in his crib for a few minutes. If the crying does not stop and the worry increases, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

The incidence of this syndrome in Spain is relatively low, although it is suspected that many cases are not diagnosed correctly. At the international level, estimates place the figure between 11 and 24 cases per 100,000 children under one year of age. Complete recovery after suffering from this syndrome is rare, with less than a third of those affected achieving full rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shaken Baby Syndrome

What is shaken baby syndrome?: It is a serious traumatic brain injury that occurs when a baby is shaken violently, causing damage to the brain.
What are the main causes?: Generally, it is caused by a caregiver's frustration with the baby's inconsolable crying.
What consequences can it have for the baby?: It can cause brain hemorrhages, inflammation, neuronal damage, permanent neurological consequences and even death.
What are the symptoms to take into account?: Excessive sleepiness, difficulty feeding, vomiting, decreased interaction, seizures, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, coma or cardiorespiratory arrest.
What percentage of affected babies die?: Between a 10% and 30% of babies affected by this syndrome end up dying.
How can it be prevented?: Prevention involves raising awareness about the risks of shaking and seeking strategies to manage the baby's crying that do not involve violence.
What to do if the baby won't stop crying?: Leave him in his crib for a few minutes and, if the crying persists or the concern is high, seek medical attention.
Is this syndrome common in Spain?: The incidence is low, although it is believed that many cases go unnoticed.
What is the complete recovery rate?: Less than a third of those affected manage to recover 100%.
Have judicial proceedings been opened in the case of Anabel Pantoja's daughter?: At the moment, no judicial proceedings have been opened.