What Are The Signs Of Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaken baby syndrome is one of the worst forms of physical abuse as an innocent toddler cannot do anything in its defense. People resorting to this form of abuse do not realize that a toddler’s only way of communication is through crying. Unable to bear the incessant crying or as a method of venting their own frustrations, innocent infants are shaken up violently. This form of abuse if severe could result in death or it could may leave the toddler disabled for life. It should be noted that shaken baby syndrome does not occur from playing with a child or bouncing him or her on the knee nor can it be caused if the child’s head falls either backwards or forwards accidentally. It is generally the result of a non-accidental outburst of anger.
‘What are the signs of shaken baby syndrome?’ is a very common question asked by a number of people. The most common signs of shaken baby syndrome are lethargy, irritability, disinterest in food, an inability to retain meals and failure to thrive. A change in the breathing pattern and varying levels of visual and auditory impairment are also shaken baby syndrome symptoms. Most children with shaken baby syndrome look blank and disinterested in everything happening around them. All these symptoms are mainly triggered by damage caused to the brain. A baby’s body is weak, especially the neck. When the baby is shaken up, the whiplash action causes the head to fall forward and backward in quick succession. This causes the brain to bump into the skull resulting in damage to the brain tissue and blood vessels within the brain. This could then cause internal hemorrhage in the baby. Retinal bleeding may also be observed. Oxygen deprivation to the brain and swelling of the brain causes further health hazards. Seizures may be a lifelong condition. Spinal cord injuries affect sensation and can also result in paralysis. Unexplained dislocations and fractures are other symptoms of this dreadful form of abuse. The baby may cry continuously as a result of the pain he or she experiences. More often than not, no outwardly signs of shaken baby syndrome are seen. In rare cases, inexplicable bruising may be seen.
The result of manhandling a baby could be very bad and thus creating shaking baby syndrome awareness should become an important part of our education. Caregivers must be trained in proper baby management techniques as well as stress management. Since it is not uncommon for parents, relatives and friends to shake babies violently, they must practice preventive measures that include handing over the baby to someone else as soon as they feel they are losing control of their anger or frustration.
Submitted by J on November 30, 2010 at 12:19
