Some Questions And Facts About SBS

How do physicians diagnose shaken baby syndrome?

A classic triad most commonly seen consists of (1) single or multiple subdural hematomas (localized bleeding outside of the brain substance), (2) diffuse and multi-depth retinal hemorrhages, and (3) diffuse brain injury without a reasonable explanation for such severe (and often repeated) trauma. Several agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that the term shaken baby syndrome be replaced with abusive head trauma. Such a change broadens the various mechanisms of injury commonly seen besides shaking. Blunt head trauma is commonly seen in addition to shaking. Common mechanisms of direct blows to the head include punching the infant, hitting the head or face with a hard object (for example, wooden spoon), or slamming the infant’s head against the wall or floor.

What are complications and long-term effects of shaken baby syndrome?

Neurologic side effects of either shaking or blunt skull trauma may span from developmental delays, seizure disorders, visual impairment, and blindness to death. Orthopedic consequences of inflicted trauma range from the need for recurrent surgery to permanent loss of function if the back (and thus spinal cord) is involved. Scarring of the skin is a common side effect of inflicted burns. Plastic and reconstructive surgery may be necessary depending on the nature of the trauma (for example, immersion into hot water). Emotional side effects may be obvious or subtle and may not necessarily be present or detectable at the time of diagnosis. Counseling and psychological support and intervention may require repeated or long-lasting attention.

What is the prognosis of shaken baby syndrome?

The primary predictor for an optimal prognosis is establishing the diagnosis and thus removing the child (and any siblings) from the abusive home. The nature of these neurological injuries help shape realistic prognostic expectations. The “plastic” nature of the immature brain and peripheral nervous system allow those counseling caregivers of children who have sustained shaken baby syndrome to be more optimistic than those counseling after adult traumatic brain injury. One study found that approximately one-third of those who suffered abusive head injury have no discernable side effect; unfortunately, such a statistic implies that two-thirds of such victims will have residual long-term complications.

Is it possible to prevent shaken baby syndrome?

Many studies have determined that what is felt to be incessant crying is the primary stimulus leading to a frustrated caregiver losing control. Expectant parents must be counseled regarding the nature of crying and various management strategies for both the infant and themselves. It is important to underscore that many times there is no obvious or discernable cause for the infant’s crying. Likewise, it is important for parents and all caregivers to understand that allowing an infant to cry for a reasonably short period (10-15 minutes) does not lead to short- or long-term physical or emotional-health issues. Most importantly, those caring for children must be assured that asking for help is an excellent strategy when they find themselves “at the end of their rope.”

Scott Juceam is one of the leading advocates against Shaken Baby Syndrome. Scott’s life changed when his daughter Hannah was shaken to death by her nanny in 2006. Since then, Scott has dedicated his life to preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and child abuse.

To learn more about me, please visit my website at www.ScottJuceam.com or you can click here.

New Campaign To Raise Awareness Of Shaken Baby Syndrome

A national program began recently called “Click for Babies,” a national campaign that aims to educate parents on shaken baby syndrome.

Christus Spohn hospitals are giving newborn babies purple knitted hats to remind new moms about the potentially deadly syndrome.

Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare — especially to a preventable situation like shaken baby syndrome.

“Parents have become frustrated, or caregivers have become frustrated and have not been able to soothe or comfort the baby, and stop the baby from crying” nurse Angela Perez said.

Christus Spohn recently joined the Click for Babies initiative, hoping to educate parents.

“How much babies actually cry. Why they cry, and what we can do to soothe their crying,” Perez said.

The statistics on shaken baby syndrome are shocking. According to DontShake.org, research shows that 80-percent of shaken babies suffer from lifelong trauma and 25-percent pass away. Every year nearly 1,300 children are diagnosed with SBS, so doctors are using the color purple as an acronym for parents to recognize the signs of the syndrome.

Perez, who manages the mother-baby unit at Christus Spohn Hospital South, said they are giving purple caps to newborns during the month of November. One of the most recent recipients is Colt Davila.

“It’s a good reminder that you take a break, don’t shake,” mother Katy Davila said.

Thankfully the parents of three have never dealt with the often deadly syndrome. Still, they said the campaign can potentially save thousands of lives.

“I can’t even imagine what it’s like for the parent to be so frustrated that they would have to shake, or shake their kid or anything,” father Marcus Davila said. “They only cry for a reason, so you’ve just got to figure out what the reason is and fix the problem.”

Katy said it is easy to get overwhelmed by a fussy child, but she and her husband agree that taking turns in comforting a newborn is essential, as well as being educated on soothing a crying baby.

“Taking a break is a wonderful thing to do,” Katy said.

“Lay your baby down in a safe place like a crib and walk away and take a break,” Perez said, “But never, never shake your baby.”

The original version of this article was written by kiiitv.com. Click here to read it.

Scott Juceam is one of the leading advocates against Shaken Baby Syndrome. Scott’s life changed when his daughter Hannah was shaken to death by her nanny in 2006. Since then, Scott has dedicated his life to preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and child abuse.

To learn more about me, please visit my website at www.ScottJuceam.com or you can click here.

St. Elizabeth Raises Awareness For Shaken Baby Syndrome

All babies born at the St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place in the months of November and December will receive a purple knitted hat to raise awareness for Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The purple knitted hats represent the “Period of PURPLE Crying,” a nationwide educational program focused on informing parents and caregivers about crying in healthy infants. These bouts of crying – sometimes for hours – are normal but can be frustrating for parents. This frustration can lead to the baby being shaken or abused.

“Shaken Baby Syndrome is preventable,” says Tabatha Biddle, maternal child health education specialist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “This is a great opportunity for St. Elizabeth nurses to educate our families about the risks of Shaken Baby Syndrome. The purple hats are something sweet for the baby – and a chance for parents to really connect with the meaning behind the hat.”

The Period of PURPLE Crying

The “Period of PURPLE Crying” refers to:

• P – peak of crying: newborn babies reach their crying peak around two months of age. Between three and five months the crying typically begins to taper off.
• U – unexpected: babies can be happy all day long and then unexpectedly cry for the entire evening. Parents can get frustrated and it’s easier to lose your cool when the crying is unexpected.
• R – resist soothing: no matter what the parent tries – even soothing techniques that have previously worked – the baby is still crying.
• P – pain-like face: the baby appears to be in pain even when they are not.
• L – long-lasting – the baby can cry for a significant portion of the day – five hours or more.
• E – evening – babies are more inclined to cry in late afternoon and evenings.

There are videos about each stage of the Purple Period of Crying available for parents on dontshake.org and as always, the knowledgeable staff at St. Elizabeth Healthcare is always available for any questions or concerns.

What steps can you take to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome?

First and foremost – do not shake your baby, no matter how long they have been crying or how frustrated you are. If you feel like you are close to this point, get immediate help from a trusted adult.

It’s often difficult to think clearly in situations with an inconsolable infant. If you are facing this challenge, here are a few suggestions of what to try with your baby:

• Warm bath
• Listen to and watch running water
• Turn on music; dance and sing
• Put the baby in a safe place, walk away and check back on the baby often
• Call for a loved one to come over so you can take a break
• Take the baby on a car ride

St. Elizabeth Healthcare – a partner in Shaken Baby Awareness

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is proud to bring awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome to the Northern Kentucky community. Those interested in donating purple yarn for the knitting team, should call Shayna Hamilton at (859) 301-5463 or visit the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome for more information.

Scott Juceam is one of the leading advocates against Shaken Baby Syndrome. Scott’s life changed when his daughter Hannah was shaken to death by her nanny in 2006. Since then, Scott has dedicated his life to preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and child abuse.

To learn more about me, please visit my website at www.ScottJuceam.com or you can click here.

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