shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma prevention program

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Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Program

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Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Program

• Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is the name given to the physical abuse and injuries that occur when an infant or small child is violently shaken and or slammed.

• A syndrome is defined as a set of symptoms and physical findings that lead to a certain diagnosis.

• These injuries are virtually never seen unless violent whiplash shaking of the head has occurred. • 1700 – 3000 cases diagnosed each year• 0-3 cases in Vermont diagnosed yearly

Shaken Baby Syndrome Is NOT Caused By

• Tossing a child in the air

• Bouncing a baby on your knee

• Using a infant swing

• Falling or roughhousing

• Jogging with your baby

The Three Most Common Injuries Caused by Shaking

• Intracranial Bleeding- Bleeding on the brain

• Cerebral Edema- Massive brain swelling

• Retinal Hemorrhages- Bleeding inside the eye

Other Injuries Associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome

• Rib Fractures • Fractures Long Bones • Skull Fractures

Fractures are seen in less than 50% of the shaking victims

Rare to find external injuries- bruises

Long Term Effects

• Severe brain damage• Learning disabilities • Blindness• Paralysis • Seizures• Behavior disorders• Hearing impairments• Physical disabilities• Death 25% of all victims die50% live with life long Disabilities

What We Know About Babies

Smaller than Adults

Large Heads and Weak Neck Muscles

Underdeveloped Brain

Signs and Symptoms

• Vomiting• Irritable/fussy• Lethargic • Decreased appetite, weak

sucking• Increase crying

These symptoms be seen in infants and small children with other illnesses.

• Seizures

• Rigid posture

• Head or forehead appears larger, bulging soft spots

• Inability to focus eyes / pupil changes

• Decreased level of consciousness

• Difficulty Breathing

Victim Gender

60 % Male

40 % Female

Victim AgeMost victims of SBS are less than 1 year old

Majority being under 6 months of age

Cases of children up to 3 years of age

SBS Perpetrators• 70-80 % are young Males (18-28), with the most being the

biological father of the victim or the mother’s boyfriend.

• Even though the majority of SBS perpetrators are male, it would be very dangerous to assume that anyone is exempt!

Anyone who can become frustrated is capable of shaking a child.

There is no traditional profile .

One cannot look at socioeconomic status, education, history of drug use or abusive background to determine if one is likely to endanger a child by

shaking.

What triggers Shaking?

Inconsolable Crying• Resistant to soothing• After being fed, changed, burped, rocked • Inability of caregiver to cope with this frustration

that can lead to abuse behavior

All Babies Cry• Crying begins around 2 weeks, peeks at 2 months

and starts to decrease at 3-4 months• All babies cry, some more than others, and it’s OK• Remember it is not your fault, and don’t take it

personally!

Why Babies Cry

Hungry?

Tired?

Too Warm/Cold?

Wet?

Bored?

Sick?

Communicates Needs

Doesn’t know

Misses parent

Over stimulated

Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby

Play with your baby

Turn on music

Give him a bath

Go for a ride in car

Sing, dance, or go for a walk

Feed Baby

Change Diaper

Check Clothing

Try vacuuming

Put baby in Swing/Bouncer

Hint: No Baby has ever died from crying it is ok to let a baby cry!

Tips for Quieting A Crying Baby

Wrap the baby snugly in a warm, soft blanket and gently rub the baby’s back while lying on its side or tummy on your lap

Talk, sing, play music, turn on the vacuum or a static TV channel, or play with a noisy toy in front of the baby

Rock, dance or try a baby swing. Take the baby outside for some fresh air, a ride in the stroller or in the car in the car seat

Try feeding the baby, offering a bottle, breast, or try a pacifier

Give the baby a warm bath

Stay calm and speak softly to your baby

Sometimes these tips do not workPlace the baby on his back in a safe place like the crib and walk away if you are feeling frustrated or angry.

Give yourself and your baby a break. Check on the baby every 10-15 minutes.

Count to ten

Listen to music

Exercise

Watch TV

Call a friend, family member, or helpline

STRESS………..

Causes

Jobs, relationships, family,

responsibility, crying baby, bills, and just life.

Symptoms

Irritability, headache, fatigue, racing heartbeat, yelling, swearing, losing or gaining weight, feel like punching something?

Management

Stay healthy,walk away, exercise, listen to music, take deep breaths, find time for yourself, smile, call a friend and ask for help!

How Can We Keep Our Children Safe?

•Never leave your child with someone who may be stressed.

•Make sure your child’s caregiver knows it is never ok to shake your baby.

•Know your own limitations.

•Have a safety plan before you can no longer tolerate your child’s crying.

It is ok to let a baby cry.

A baby has never died from crying

NEVER SHAKE A BABY

In a few seconds of anger and frustration your life and child’s life could change forever!

It is never okay to shake a baby-serious injury or death can occur.

It is ok to let a baby cry!

A baby has never died from crying!

This program is generously supported by grants from:

Department of Disabilities, Aging and independent Living

Department for Children and Families

Department of Health

Never Shake A Baby

1-800-CHILDREN

1-800-244-5373

ResourcesThe National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

www.dontshake.org

Dr. Harvey Karp –The Happiest Baby on the Block

www.thehappiestbaby.com