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(full text) Don't Toss or Shake Children Shaken Infant Syndrome: A Real Danger This message is brought to you by: Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society Auxiliary, Sacramento County Health Department, Child Health and Disability Prevention Program and Child Abuse Council of Sacramento. |
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"One, two, three...up you go!" | |||
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Many adults enjoy tossing a child in the air. This seems fun for both the child and adult, but could seriously hurt the child. Even gentle tossing may be harmful and could cause major health problems later on in life.
Infants under two years of age are especially delicate. They should not be shaken in play or in anger. Parents who shake their babies in anger are abusing their children, even though they may not be aware of it. What is the danger? In the past few years a newly recognized injury to children has been indentified and described as "shaken infant syndrome." This is a serious injury and the results can be devastating. Babies and young children have very weak neck muscles and only gradually develop the strength to control their heavy heads. If they are shaken, their heads wobble rapidly back and forth. The result can be similar - though usually much more severe - to what happens to an adult who suffers "whiplash" in a car accident. |
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Activities that can cause Shaken Infant Syndrome | |||
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Shaken Infant Syndrome | |||
| For a long time doctors were not able to recognize the cause of brain bleeding in infants and children hurt by tossing or shaking, because there are usually no outside marks of injury. They saw only the results, most commonly convulsions and severe brain damage, even death. Now this injury is often suspected when infants have signs of brain bleeding without skull fracture.
Damage from shaking or tossing may not be noticeable for years. It could show up when the child goes to school and is not able to keep up with his classmates. Some doctors feel that shaking or tossing injuries could be a leading cause of mental retardation. What to look for:
Play with your child, Hug your child, Love your child But DON'T toss or shake your child. If you are worried about your child's health, don't take chances. See your doctor. If you need a referral to a physician call: Mercy's Doctor Referral Line at: 888-800-7688 or Or call the Sacramento County Health Department Child Health and Disability Prevention Program at: 916-366-2151 |
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Family Resources
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| Child Action, Inc. Call: 369-0191, M-F, 8am - 5pm Can answer questions about child care, parenting, etc. Can help with short-term emergency child care. |
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Parent Support Program Call:366-2374, M-F 8am - 5pm Volunteer parents help other parents improve family relations. |
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Ask-A-Nurse Call 965-7550, 24 hours 1-800-422-7550, 24 hours Free advice from registered nurses about health care for you or your child. |
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Public Health Nurse Call:648-0982, M-F (North area) Call:395-4600, M-F (South area) Registered nurses can discuss family health problems; can visit homes. |
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CHDP (Child Health and Disability Prevention program) Call: 366-2151, M-F, 8 am - 5 pm Child health information and referral source. |
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5380 Elvas Avenue #100 • Sacramento, CA 95819
916.452.2671 PH • 916.452.2690 FX • Email: info@ssvms.org
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