photo credit: Hammer51012
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is caused by a serious form of head injury resulting from violent shaking. It has been proven that even five seconds of violent shaking is enough to produce serious damage. I admit that I have never heard about SBS before. I knew that you should never shake a baby but I did not know there is a name for it.
How does it happen?
Shaken baby syndrome is normally reported in kids under the age of two. In babies or very young children, their neck muscles have not fully developed yet. Shaking the baby will cause his head to rotate uncontrollably. As a consequence, his brain will bounce back and forth within the skull causing the rupturing of blood vessels and nerves as well as tearing of the brain tissue. As a result, the child may suffer from severe or permanent brain damage and even death.
What are the symptoms or signs of shaken baby syndrome?
It can be difficult to diagnose as they are similar to a fall or seizure. Some of the signs are:
• Difficulty in breathing
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Cardiopulmonary arrest
• Retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in the eyes)
What are the preventive actions?
The most important thing is that the caregiver must understand that shaking should not be done under any circumstances. An incessantly crying baby can drive anyone up the wall and below are some suggestions on how to cope:
• Hug the baby closely and do gentle massages
• Dancing, rocking or walking with the baby
• Distract the baby
• Offer the a baby a pacifier
• Play a favorite tune or music
• If you find yourself getting impatient, put the baby down in his crib and leave the room for awhile to calm yourself
If you require more information on SBS, you can refer to the following websites: