Shaken Baby Syndrome It is a serious head injury accidentally caused by the child's caregivers. It is presented by the violent shaking by an adult due to frustration and loss of control by not being able to silence a baby who cries inconsolably.
It usually occurs in babies under two years old but can occur up to five years.
Contusion in the baby's brain can occur with only a five second shake. When a baby is shaken its soft and fragile brain bounces with the skull and this can cause bruising and / or brain hemorrhages. The soft and flexible skull could not absorb the force of the shake.
In the same way, shaking it can cause it to be undressed; since the neck and its ligaments are weak (still developing) and its head is larger in relation to the body. Shaking it and hitting your head with the pillow or mattress (due to the deceleration) may be enough to cause damage similar to the injuries observed in a car accident.
The symptoms are difficult to interpret and can vary from mild to severe:
- Extreme irritability or other changes in behavior. - Lethargy, numbness, absence of smile. -Loss of knowledge. -Decrease in alertness. -Pale or bluish skin. -Vomiting -Convulsions (attacks). -Deficient feeding, lack of appetite. -Interruption of breathing.
To prevent it: - NEVER shake a baby or child, neither when playing nor out of anger. Even shaking it gently can become a violent jolt, when angry. -You should not carry a baby during an argument. -If the person realizes that she is upset or angry with her baby, she should place it in the crib, leave the room, try to calm down and call someone to ask for help. -You should call a friend or family member to come and stay with the child if you lose control -To seek help and guidance, you can use resources such as the child abuse line and the local line for crisis management. -It is recommended to seek professional help and attend a school for parents. -The evidence should not be ignored if it is suspected that a child is a victim of abuse in their home or in the home of someone they know.
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