Shaken Baby Syndrome Boston MA

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What is it?

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious type of head injury that happens when a baby or toddler is violently shaken.

What are the causes?

Brain tissues, especially blood vessels, are quite fragile in the very young and their neck muscles do not support or protect the head when it is shaken back and forth. If a baby is shaken the brain bounces back and forth inside the head causing swelling and bleeding which can lead to devastating brain damage and even death.

Possible symptoms:

• irritability
• lethargy
• poor appetite
• breathing problems
• seizures
• vomiting
• pale or bluish skin
• loss of consciousness

What should I do?

If you think your baby or child might have been injured from violent shaking, get medical care right away. Call your pediatrician or take your baby to the nearest emergency department. Getting medical care right away may save your baby's life and prevent severe brain damage. Do not let fear or guilt stop you from telling the doctor exactly what happened. A quick diagnosis may save your baby's life.

Do not ever shake a baby or a small child. If you feel yourself losing control because you or your baby is upset, put her in a safe place, such as her crib, walk out of the room, take a few deep breaths and call a friend or someone you trust for help. All of us get frustrated at times. Do not allow that one moment of frustration to be a lifetime of disaster for your child. If other people look after your baby or child be sure to educate them on the dangers of shaken baby syndrome. Thank you for wanting to the very best parent your child could ever have. Don’t ever shake a baby!

Source:American Acacemy of Pediatrics

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Milton Pediatric Associates

617-724-0924
15 Parkman St
Boston, MA