Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a traumatic brain injury seen in babies less than two years of age. Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when a parent or caregiver violently shakes a usually crying baby. Shaken Baby Syndrome often occurs when an infant will not stop crying and out of frustration the parent or caregiver shakes it. When a caregiver shakes an infant, the head rotates uncontrollably due to the lack of strength and development of neck muscles. This violent movement causes the brain to move around inside the skull leading to swelling, bruising and bleeding. Shaken Baby Syndrome effects brain development by damaging the connections between neurons. Shaking an infant can lead to swelling, internal bleeding, detached retinas and even death. Other symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome include convulsions, vomiting, lack of emotion and lack of appetite. These symptoms may appear rapidly in the case of severe injury. In some cases though, it may take several days for an injured infant to show symptoms. This form of brain injury may have long-term effects for children who survive. Survival victims may suffer from sight or hearing impairment, speech and learning difficulties as well as memory problems. In some cases, a child may develop cerebral palsy or experience severe mental retardation. If someone suspects that an infant has Shaken Baby Syndrome it is imperative that they seek medical help immediately.

As a counselor I would educate new parents on the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome as well as provide them with insight on how to protect their baby from such traumatic injuries. I would want to educate new parents in particular, helping them learn methods to understand why their baby is crying. I would also want my clients to gain insight into methods that help soothe especially fussy babies. As a counselor I would also want to work with the couples and look at weaknesses within their relationship that may cause them to be more prone to shaking a baby. For instance, if I...