Shaken Baby Syndrme is a term used to describe brain injury in yong childen under three years of age (most commonly under 18 months) resulting from vigorus shaking of an infant or child by the arms, legs or shoulders. This motion often results in bleeding inside the head and can cause irrevesible brain damage, blindness, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, spinal cordd injures, seizures, learning disabilities, and even death. It can be traced historically from the mid-1500's and was officially named and defined in 1974. Most recently "abusive head trauma" has replaced "shaken baby syndrome" since infants can receive many different injuries from many differnt types of abuse, including shaking, throwing and hitting.

Children and infants with abusive head injury(s) may develop vomiting with lethargy or drowsiness, breathing difficulties or may become unresponsive. Infants are more likely to die if their head injuries are caused by abuse rather than an accident. Caretakers may report that the infant stopped breathing, went to sleep and could not be aroused, was drooped or that the infant rooled off the bed or sofa. Diagnosis is made by CT or MRI scans and eye examination, in addition to other diagnostic test.

Parent of children receivnig out of home care should discuss all forms of disciplne with the caregiver. This discussion should include references to Shaken Baby Syndrome. For more information, visit the National Center of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

We work on trying to make everyone aware of Child Prevention by educating everyone we come accross and lending a helping hand when needed, "We our Guardians of the Children ready to step up and help and back up of Children.

Why Abuse Happens:

Child abuse neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents:

• Seem to be having economic, housing or personal problems.
• Are isolated from their family or community.
• Are dealing with physical or mental health issues.
• Appear uniterested in the care, nourishment or safety of their children.