Never Shake a Baby, it SHATTERS LIVES!!

About me:

My Goal is to promote public awareness to Shaken Baby Syndrome in order to prevent future cases. I am also here to provide support, and compassion to SBS victims and families.

WHAT IS SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME? Shaken baby syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken. A baby has weak neck muscles and a large, heavy head. Shaking makes the fragile brain bounce back and forth inside the skull and causes bruising, swelling, and bleeding, which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. The characteristic injuries of shaken baby syndrome are subdural hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain), retinal hemorrhages (bleeding in the retina), damage to the spinal cord and neck, and fractures of the ribs and bones. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Symptoms of shaken baby syndrome include extreme irritability, lethargy, poor feeding, breathing problems, convulsions, vomiting, and pale or bluish skin. Shaken baby injuries usually occur in children younger than 2 years old, but may be seen in children up to the age of 5.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS? **Head turned to one side** Unable to lift or turn head** Pinpointed, dilated, or unequal size pupils** Blood pooling in the eyes** Pupils unresponsive to light** Bulging or spongy forehead** No smiling or vocalization** Poor sucking or swallowing** Semi-consciousness, lethargy, or decreased muscle tone** Difficulty breathing** Seizures or spasms** Swollen head, which may appear later** Extreme irritability** Decreased appetite, poor feeding or vomiting for no apparent reason** Grab-type bruises on arms or chest are rare** Rigidity or posturing** Seizures** Head or forehead appears larger than usual or soft-spot on head appears to be bulging** Inability of eyes to focus or track movement or unequal size of pupils**

TREATMENT? Emergency treatment for a baby who has been shaken usually includes life-sustaining measures such as respiratory support and surgery to stop internal bleeding and bleeding in the brain. Doctors may use brain scans, such as MRI and CT, to make a more definite diagnosis.

PROGNOSIS? In comparison with accidental traumatic brain injury in infants, shaken baby injuries have a much worse prognosis. Damage to the retina of the eye can cause blindness. The majority of infants who survive severe shaking will have some form of neurological or mental disability, such as cerebral palsy or mental retardation, which may not be fully apparent before 6 years of age. Children with shaken baby syndrome may require lifelong medical care.

PREVENTION: First make sure the babies needs are met. **Feed the baby** Burp the Baby** Change the diaper** Make sure clothing isn't too tight** Make sure baby isn't too hot, or too cold** Take the baby for a walk outside in a stroller or for a ride in the car seat** Hold the baby against your chest and gently massage the baby** Rock, walk, or dance with the baby** Be patient; take a deep breath and count to ten** Call a friend or relative that you can trust to take over for a while, then get away, get some rest, take care of yourself** Offer a pacifier** Lower any surrounding noise and lights** Offer the baby a noisy toy; shake or rattle it** Hold the baby and breathe slowly and calmly; the baby may feel your calmness and become quiet** Sing or talk to the baby using soothing tones** Record a sound, like a vacuum cleaner, or hair dryer**

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