Sudden movements or shaking of the baby? Beware of shaken baby syndrome

Do you know what shaken baby syndrome means? Shaking a baby in a pram, violent movements or violent shaking can be one of the more serious forms of child abuse, but it can also occur easily when a baby is inattentive, careless or in stressful situations.

A constantly crying infant, fatigue, tension and parental stress.

Shaking a baby as a way of calming them down can have serious consequences. Similarly, excessive movements in the arms or in the pram are a potential cause of injury to a baby.

What is shaken baby syndrome, when can it occur and why are certain movements dangerous?
Read on in our article.

What is shaky baby syndrome?

Shaken Baby Syndrome, or SBS for short, is explained as an internal injury that is caused by excessive shaking or other violent movement. It is an injury caused by the use of physical force, not, for example, by an accident or injury.

This syndrome can also be caused by slapping or forceful pushing away.

Shaken baby syndrome is one of the more serious forms of child abuse. It occurs mainly in the second year of life, but can occur up to the age of 5.

The most common and typical injury in shaken baby syndrome is simultaneous injury to the brain and spine. It is caused by mechanisms similar to a fall or a car accident. In this case, however, it involves excessive handling and endangering the child through the use of physical force.

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It is important for the doctor to distinguish the cause of the injury and detect possible abuse. In many cases, there is no intent to harm. However, it is still a serious form of abuse.

In 1972, the paediatric radiologist John Caffey encountered and explained intracranial haemorrhage without signs of external injury. He was the first to describe the shaken baby syndrome.

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How does this syndrome arise?

Infants and smaller children do not yet have sufficiently developed neck muscles. In proportion to the child's body, their head is large and heavy.

Their anatomy and physiology is therefore not developed enough to resist excessive movements and shocks. A sharp bend or strong shaking can cause the brain to hit the inner wall of the skull, damage the vascular system, cause intracranial bleeding or swelling of the brain.

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What are the symptoms of shaken baby syndrome?

The symptoms depend mainly on the degree and severity of the damage. They can vary from subtle and uncertain to clear and specific head injuries.

The less severe manifestations of shaken baby syndrome do not always make it to a medical examination. Parents often wait at home and possible injuries go unexamined.

There are also cases where the injuries and symptoms do not manifest themselves clearly. There may be prolonged exposure of the child to excessive movements and shaking.

In severe forms, medical help is usually prompt, but unfortunately often too late, given the acute condition of the child.

If excessive force is applied forcefully and suddenly, unconsciousness, irreversible damage and even death may result.

Signals of shaken baby syndrome include:

• Irritability
• a weak and sleepy child
• pale or bluish skin
• feeding disorders
• vomiting
• tremors, seizures of the baby
• impaired mobility, paralysis
• convulsions
• unconsciousness
• respiratory disturbances

The consequences and injuries caused by shaken baby syndrome can vary from brain damage to vertebral fractures to death. In many cases, it manifests itself later in life, with stunting and delayed development.

What to avoid?

Most of the time it is the ignorance or helplessness of the parent who tries to calm their constantly crying child. Strong, fast and abrupt movements from back to front or deliberate dropping. All of these pose a risk of injury and internal injury to the child.

Statistically, this syndrome is more likely to be caused by the baby's nanny or stepfather.

Injuries and injuries are also often caused by inappropriate play and frolicking with an adult. Alcohol also plays a large role, slowing reaction times, loss of muscle coordination and decreased reflexes.

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Prevention against shaken baby syndrome

When handling the baby, his head must be sufficiently supported. It is necessary to avoid strong and abrupt movements, as well as running with the baby on your hands.

The risk of head and cervical spine injuries must be kept in mind during normal activities. Games and physical activities must always be age-appropriate!

If you suspect some form of abuse or shaken baby syndrome in your neighbourhood, report it.

Social and other support services are often inadequate. Only critical and media-hyped cases get the limelight.

How to avoid injuring and causing shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome is a nationwide problem. Its management requires not only the vigilance of paediatricians, but also other health professionals or members of the emergency services. Education and instruction of parents is also extremely important.

Parents should be aware of the risk of inappropriate handling of a child. It is clear that a child will not avoid minor falls or injuries during his or her lifetime. However, it is extremely important for a parent to realize that a child must not be shaken under any circumstances!

If the child is still crying...

Crying is the only and natural means of communication for a baby. On the other hand, a constantly crying baby, who is difficult to soothe, causes frustration, pressure and a feeling of self-defeat.

Remember, a baby does not cry to make you angry.

Don't let it go to extremes and short-circuit your behaviour. If you feel angry or even furious, put the child in a safe place and calm yourself first.

Do not allow your child to ever be harmed.