The five-month-old baby reportedly suffered a brain haemorrhage after being shaken. The neurosurgeon explains the risks of the practice
A five-month-old baby suffered a brain haemorrhage and was hospitalized for 10 days after falling ill at an early childhood school in Estância Velha, in the Porto Alegre metropolitan region. Civil police are investigating whether the disturbance was caused by the so-called “shaken baby syndrome”, a condition associated with the impact of sudden movements at high speed.
According to neurosurgeon Dr. Victor Hugo Espíndola, shaken baby syndrome occurs when a baby is shaken violently. As a result, what seems like a harmless prank can result in brain damage due to sudden flexion and extension movements of the neck that cause movement of the brain within the skull.
What are the risks if you shake your baby?
“Sudden movements, such as shaking the baby, can cause serious injury,” warns the doctor. This is because sudden movements can cause damage to the delicate blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. This compromises the oxygen supply to the brain, which can cause irreversible damage.
Even though it’s a very common game, Dr. Victor Hugo recommends a zero-tolerance approach to shaking young children. “From birth, it’s never safe to shake a baby, regardless of age,” he says.
Additionally, the neurosurgeon requires constant observation from parents and guardians. “Always supervise interactions between older children and infants. Sudden movements should be avoided,” she emphasizes.
Finally, the professional highlights the importance of parents being aware of the dangers of shaking the baby. To deal with a crying baby, for example, she recommends promoting safe techniques that don’t put the baby’s physical integrity at risk.
“It is critical to understand that fragile brains in children require extreme caution. Prioritizing safety and educating on safe practices early on is essential for healthy development and prevention of shaken baby syndrome,” he stresses.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
