Shaken Baby Syndrome (cont.)
What is the prognosis for shaken baby syndrome?
Infants who have suffered injuries as a result of this
type of child abuse have a poor prognosis. Of those infants who survive, many
will have permanent brain damage, retinal injuries, and blindness as well as and
neck and spinal injuries. Unfortunately, the damage to the nervous system is too
frequently permanent.
Can shaken baby syndrome be caused accidentally?
Shaken baby syndrome is almost always a result
of child abuse, often perpetrated by a parent or caregiver who shakes an infant
angrily in response to persistent crying. In very rare cases, the injuries
associated with shaken baby syndrome may be caused by accidental actions, such
as jogging with a newborn baby in a backpack. It does not result from gentle
play or bouncing a child on a knee. Even in those rare accidental cases, the
injuries are rarely as severe as those cases associated with non-accidental
trauma from shaken baby syndrome.
Can shaken baby syndrome be prevented?
The following are guidelines to prevent child abuse
and shaken baby syndrome
- Never shake an infant or child.
- Avoid holding your infant during arguments.
- Avoid disciplining your child when you are angry.
- Report abuse to the local police or to your state's child protective services if you suspect that a child in your home or someone you know is a victim of child abuse.
- If you find yourself becoming increasingly short-tempered around your infant or child, take a break and ask a friend or family member for help.
- Support the passage of the shaken baby syndrome Prevention Act (S 1204, HR 2052) introduced last year by writing your
state senator and congressman.
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