The American Academy of PediatricsWarnsit is NEVER OKAY TO SHAKE A BABY! |
What is SBS/AHT?Shaking a baby is a serious form of child abuse that occurs mostly in infants in the first year of life. The act of severely or violently shaking a baby—which may also include striking the baby’s head—is often the result of a parent’s or caregiver’s frustration or anger in response to a baby’s or toddler’s constant crying or irritability. Shaking or striking a baby’s head can cause serious physical and mental damage, even death. Serious injuries associated with abusive head trauma may include blindness or eye injuries, brain damage, damage to the spinal cord, and delay in normal development. Signs and symptoms may include irritability, lethargy (difficulty staying awake), tremors (shakiness), vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, and coma.
If you suspect that a care provider has shaken or hurt your baby—or if you or your spouse have done so in a moment of frustration—take your baby to the pediatrician or an emergency room immediately. Any brain damage that might have occurred will only get worse without treatment. Don’t let embarrassment or fear keep you from getting treatment for your baby. If you feel as if you might lose control when caring for your baby:
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AHT/SBS is a form of physical abuse and a leading cause of death and disability in infants. 1 out of 4 cases results in death. SBS is not an accident and can be prevented. The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) has compiled authoritative articles and information on SBS/AHT which we would believe is important to share. Among the information you’ll find in this section are:
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papers/articles on SBS/AHTOvercoming Defense Expert Testimony in Abusive Head Trauma Cases The Supreme Court Screws Up the Science: There is No Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrome 'Scientific' Controversy Understanding Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children, American Academy of Peidatrics. (The existence of AHT in infants and young children is a settled fact.) |