- Avoiding Child Abuse - MollySVH
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is an unfortunate form of child abuse that can be perpetrated by family members, family, or even outside caregiver help. In the Chicago Tribune article, “Mt. Prospect man Charged in Beating of Infant”, written as a staff report, no author given, 29 year old Ibrahim Kibayasi has been charged with abusing his own child, with injuries that reflect those consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
Child Abuse and Shaken Baby Syndrome
Child abuse and SBS is not necessarily exclusive to families. Many infants are abused by people who exist outside of the home, for example, extended family members or care providers. SBS is used to refer to a child who has been violently shaken, or the shaking and forceful trauma on the head of the young victim.
These symptoms, provided by The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, need to be heeded by all parents or any person who cares for a young child.
Signs and Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome
According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, certain signs can be noted in the event that an infant has been shaken or abused. These symptoms include decreased muscle tone and lethargy, extreme irritability, decreased appetite, and lack of normal visual contact such as smiling or vocalizing.
Other physical symptoms include a bulge or soft spot around the forehead area, or a change in the forehead or head shape, a rigid posture, poor sucking or difficulty breathing. Other signs may include seizures, variances in pupil sizes, and inability to lift the head.
If a caregiver believes that the infant is showing any of these or other questionable behaviors, immediate medical attention must be sought in order to reduce the chances of long-term consequences of the abuse.
Physical and Mental Consequences of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Shaken baby syndrome causes damage in the brain tissue, and can lead to many severe immediate consequences, including those listed in the signs and symptoms above. Long-term consequences can include physical impairments, such as vision, speech, hearing complications, and cerebral palsy, as well as behavior and cognitive abnormalities.
The most devastating consequence of shaken baby syndrome is death.
Who to Contact and Resources for Victims
Immediate health care attention is a necessity if SBS is suspected. The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome has a support hotline for family members of infants who are victims of shaken baby syndrome. The toll-free number for this service is 877-273-0071, and the call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 mountain time.
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Renee Holmes - Renee Holmes began her writing career when she was invited to join the Young Authors Club in the first grade. From that point on, writing ...
