Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) also goes by the terrible name of Abusive Head Trauma. It is a kind of brain injury which happens in babies and toddlers when a frustrated adult shakes them vigorously, or there is a blunt trauma to the baby’s head.
SBS is a dangerous disorder which can cause serious consequences. If left untreated, SBS can cause a child to experience certain horrific side effects. SBS is estimated to occur in 3 to 4 per 10,000 babies a year. It occurs most frequently in those less than five years of age.
The risk of death is about 25%. The diagnosis may also carry legal consequences for the person that caused the SBS. As soon as you spot the symptoms, it’s imperative that you bring your child to the hospital for treatment, which depends on the. severity of the SBS. Here are the most common symptoms of SBS that you should be looking for:
1. Difficulty breathing This is a dangerous symptom of SBS. If you notice
that your child has a difficulty breathing, check all his airways. If there are
no blockages, immediately bring your baby to the hospital. Observe if you need
to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
This is essential if the
breathing suddenly stops. You may also notice some changes in your child’s
breathing patterns. Your baby might suddenly develop a rapid breathing pattern.
Either that or they may start having a deep pattern of breathing.
2.
Extreme irritability
You might notice that your baby
becomes extremely irritable. If your baby isn’t usually this way, you need to
check whether your little one feels ill. If your baby starts crying with a
high-pitched sound, try comforting your baby first.
An ophthalmologist needs to check the eyes, especially when
retinal hemorrhages have happened. As a parent, you’re the best person to
comfort your baby when feeling this way. Do what you usually do to calm your
baby down. If nothing changes, then it’s time to have your baby checked out.
3. Eyes are unable to
focus Check the eyes of your child to
see if they can focus, and follow a specific object. Try some experiments where
you catch your child gaze using an object. Move the object around to see if
your child can track it. In more severe cases, you might notice hemorrhages of
the retina. If you see this in your baby’s eyes, immediately bring him to the
hospital for treatment.
4. Head changes When a baby experiences SBS, it may be so severe
that you’ll notice a form of head trauma. You’ll see swelling, bruising,
lacerations or even deformities. Aside from this, you may also notice
abnormalities in the shape of your child’s skull. It’s important to observe
these changes.
Keep checking your child’s head
if you see some of the other symptoms. Try to notice if there are any changes
when you check your child’s head. If you find any, take them straight to the
hospital for a proper diagnosis.
5. Lethargy This is another sign to look out for. Babies and
toddlers are normally active. When you notice that your child is lethargic find
out the cause. Maybe your child is just sleepy. In this case, let your little
one rest for a while and observe them when they wake up.
If you know your child is
well-rested and you still notice the lethargy, try playing with your child.
Nothing can bring a child out of sluggishness than the thought of playingIf the
lethargy persists, consult your pediatrician.
6. Paleness or
discoloration of the skin Aside from
the eyes and head, also check your child’s skin. Another symptom of SBS is
paleness of the skin. Your baby’s skin might also get a bluish tint. You might
notice bruising on key parts of the body, such as arms, chest, and head.
If you see any bruises on your
child’s body, find out where they came from so you can treat them accordingly.
If you can’t find the reason for the unusual changes in your child’s skin, it’s
best to visit the doctor.
7. Paralysis This is another harmful and scary symptom of SBS.
It’s an indication that the condition is already severe. By nature, babies and
toddlers are mobile beings. They love moving around, and exploring the world
around them.
Because of this, you will be able
to spot if your child suddenly has paralysis immediately. When this happens,
one or more parts of the body will stop moving. If you notice this, rush your
child to the hospital immediately.
8. Seizures or
unconsciousness There are seizures and
unconsciousness. These are the scariest symptoms along with paralysis. If this
happens to your baby, don’t attempt to treat them from home. It’s best to bring
your child to the hospital right away. A neurologist needs to check the child’s
brain for any physiological damages. You may be able to save your child’s life.
9. Unsociable Babies and toddlers are unpredictable. One moment
they’re happy and playful, and in the next moment they’re moody and cranky. You
already have a good idea of your baby’s personality and disposition. When your
child suddenly becomes unsociable, this can be a sign of SBS.
Babies smile, laugh, and coo at
people they are familiar with. If this suddenly stops, find out why. Socialize
with your child and expose them to other people. If that doesn’t help, there
may be a more serious reason why.
10. Vomiting and problems
with feeding This symptom is quite vague.
There are many reasons why a baby would start vomiting or why you’d have issues
with feeding. Check if your baby starts throwing up without any apparent
reason. This could be a symptom of SBS.
Observe your child to determine
whether he’s having trouble sucking or swallowing. This is another symptom of
the disorder. Try giving your child their favorite food that they love to eat.
If they rejects that, take your baby to the doctor.
“Take a break. Don’t ever shake a baby. Babies
are very fragile. They need to be handled with care, and when a child is shaken
violently. It can cause 1 of 2 things: death or a lifetime of
disabilities.” (Anonymous)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“10 Signs and Treatments of Shaken Baby Syndrome” by
Sarika B
·
“Abusive Head Trauma” and “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” from Wikipedia
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