What Is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)?

More than 1,600 children are killed a year by a 100% preventable cause . . . Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). In fact, from January to April of this year, six Central Florida children died due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. The dangers of SBS are becoming more and more apparent, often with disastrous results.

One out of four children severely shaken die. That is tragic enough but, another one in four will have severe life altering injuries, while another will have "minor" life altering injuries, and the 4th will have injuries that can show up later in life or, they may survive with broken bones, bruises, and other relatively "minor" injuries.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe the signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking of the head of an infant or child. The degree of brain damage depends on the amount, and duration, of the shaking and the forces involved in impact of the head. Signs and symptoms range a spectrum of neurological alterations from vomiting, to seizures, and death. This sudden motion causes the baby/child's fragile brain to slam against the skull wall often resulting in cerebral hemorrhage, contusion and edema, bleeding within the brain or, tears in the brain tissue. Other injuries can be spinal injury/paralysis, blindness or eye trauma, seizures, retardation - from mild to severe, broken bones, dislocation, and delay in normal development. Shaking must be of such force that an independent lay observer would recognize the act as dangerous. Along with shaking many times the child is slammed down or, slammed against something.

The number one reason a baby is shaken is because of inconsolable crying. There may not be a history of abuse, but shaking a baby can happen to anyone in just a moment of anger or frustration. During this moment of frustration the baby is picked up and shaken when control is lost and anger takes over in an effort to get the baby to stop crying.

What To Do When A Baby Cries?

Remember that sometimes a baby just has to cry. So, if you start to feel angry or frustrated put him or her down in a safe place like a crib or playpen, close the door and go to another room. Check on him/her every ten minutes and give yourself a break!

• Stay calm remember you are the adult.
  
• Sit down, close your eyes and take deep breaths.
  
• If you have to shake something shake a pillow or rug, or, hug the pillow.
  
• Call a friend or relative that you trust to take over for a while, then get away, get some rest, and take care of yourself.
  
• Check for the baby's basic needs and make him/her comfortable.
  
• Try feeding or burping the baby.
  
• If you breast feed, avoid eating onions, beans, drinking coffee, tea or soda.
  
• Check for signs of illness, such as a fever or swollen gums. If signs are present call your physician or administer proper care based on the symptoms.
  
• Call the doctor if you feel that the baby is sick.
  
• Soothe the baby by lightly rubbing his/her back.
  
• Swaddle the baby, rock or walk him/her gently.
  
• Offer a pacifier.
  
• Lower any surrounding noise and lights.
  
• Place the baby in a soft front carrier close to your body and breath slowly and calmly; the baby may feel your calmness and become quiet.
  
• Offer the baby a noisy toy; shake or rattle it.
  
• Lay the baby, tummy down, across your lap and gently rub or pat his/her back.
  
• Massage the baby's body and limbs gently, or make tickly soft circles on his/her face.
  
• Rock, walk, or dance with the baby.
  
• Sing or talk to the baby using soft soothing tones.
  
• Take the baby for a ride in the car or for a walk in the stroller.

Symptoms Of Shaken Baby Syndrome

• 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.
  
• Rigidity.
  
• Semi-consciousness, lethargy, decreased muscle tone or coma.
  
• Difficulty breathing.
  
• Seizures or spasms.
  
• Swollen head - may appear later.

What to do if you shake your baby, or you suspect someone has, either accidentally or on purpose.

Even though you may feel embarrassed or guilty (or you are threatened by the person that shook the child), it is imperative that you get the baby/child to the emergency room immediately. Bleeding inside the brain can be treated. Immediate medical attention can save your baby many future problems and, possibly even his or her life.

Link to SBS Awareness & Education Video on YouTube