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Shaken Baby Syndrome Explained
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a form of extreme child abuse, caused by the violent shaking of a baby, infant or small child. SBS is often fatal and always damaging in the long-term health of a child. How It Occurs As we all know, caring for a baby or young child is very difficult. Since they cannot talk, babies cry as their only form of communication. Sadly, as a result of ongoing crying a desperate caregiver or parent may become frustrated and take their aggression out by shaking the baby. When the child is shaken aggressively it can cause SBS, and lead to permanent brain damage or death. Effects of SBS One in three babies who are shaken violently do not survive. Those who do survive have very high chances of experiencing mental disabilities, developmental issues, seizures, paralysis, the condition known as hydrocephalus, or blindness for the rest of their lives. Abuse Defined Aggressively shaking a baby is a highly dangerous form of child abuse that results in the murder of an innocent child. However, even if the shaking does not result in SBS any physical abuse of a child is illegal. How Much Shaking Causes SBS? There has been some debate as to how much a baby must be shaken in order to experience shaken baby syndrome. Cases have shown that babies who experienced SBS were shaken violently, and deliberately. While violent shaking can kill or injure a baby, any rough shaking of a baby can be harmful to their brain. Symptoms Unfortunately the most obvious signs of shaken baby syndrome are not physically apparent, due to the inner cerebral hemorrhaging that cannot be seen. However, some signs of shaken baby syndrome may show through physically. These include lethargy, vomiting, irritability, changed eating habits, altered breathing, dilated pupils, seizures, larger head size, or bulging fontanels. If you have any suspicion that your baby is a victim of shaken baby syndrome, call 911 or go to a hospital immediately. How Can we Prevent SBS? The best way to help prevent SBS is to educate the public on the dangers of shaking a child. Parents, teachers, and sitters need to know it is normal to experience feelings of frustration and exhaustion when looking after a baby, but that you should never shake a child. Seeking the help of support groups with other parents and guardians can help ease these feelings, and recognize the role of raising a child for all that it is. Tell the parents and guardians of children in your life about SBS and encourage them to pass on the information. Above all, always be cautious when leaving your child with a new sitter. Make sure anyone you hire to watch your child knows NEVER to shake your baby. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Scott Juceam is a business owner, consultant, creator, motivational speaker, and spiritual advisor. He has made thousands of friends around the nation establishing relationships to stop child abuse. To learn more about Scott Juceam check out ScottJuceam.com. |
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