Shaken Baby Syndrome Essay

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious medical condition that results from a severe form of child abuse. Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) can also be called abusive head trauma (AHT), inflicted traumatic brain injury (ITBI), whiplash syndrome, and lastly, shaken impact syndrome. Regardless of which name is used to refer to it, shaken baby syndrome is one hundred percent avoidable. A British pediatric neurosurgeon Norman Guthkelch, was credited with developing the medical theory in 1971 that laid the ground work for what later would became known as shaken baby syndrome (Alonzo). According to the Center for Disease Control’s traumatic brain injury website, “Heads up: Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome,” shaken baby results from violently shaking an infant
When an infant is shaken, the brain moves back and forth violently against the sides of the skull. This will result in brain swelling, otherwise known as encephalopathy, bruising, and bleeding within the brain (Cleveland Clinic). Babies have soft brains and weak neck muscles. The soft brain makes damage to the brain occur more rapidly than that of an older child. Babies also have delicate blood vessels (Heads Up). This causes damage to the brain and eyes much faster and easier than
The perpetrator may have drug and/or alcohol issues, anger problems, and/or mental health issues. However, rarely it is planned to harm the child; although, it’s possible. While under the influence, one’s judgment becomes impaired. When anger is involved, anything could happen because one is unable to control a situation and can become explosive at any time.” This is just one example of how other issues come into play with shaken baby syndrome