What is the usual characterization of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

The characterization of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is that it remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. SIDS refers to the unexpected death of an otherwise healthy infant, typically during sleep, and despite autopsy, death scene investigation, and clinical history, no definitive cause can be identified. This feature of being unexplained is critical as it emphasizes the perplexing nature of the syndrome and the challenges faced by medical professionals in understanding and preventing it.

Additionally, SIDS predominantly affects infants, particularly those under one year of age, and not toddlers or older children, which aligns with the definition and demographic most commonly associated with the syndrome. The focus on unexplained circumstances surrounding these deaths sets SIDS apart as a category of cases that require further research and heightened awareness, rather than attributing its occurrence to specific health issues or other related factors like sleep paralysis.