Thousands of Children are Hospitalized Every Year Just for Crying

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Texas Children's Hospital
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HOUSTON, April 25, 1997-- As remaining days of April are marked off our calendars, Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to an end. Unfortunately for thousands of children in Texas, the abuse doesn't.

Last year in Texas alone more than 45,000 children were victims of child abuse and neglect, a third of them suffering from some type of deliberate physical abuse. However, in many cases the physical abuse isn't premeditated.

"Thousands of infants are hospitalized every year as a result of the injuries they occur when an adult shakes them in an effort to stop their crying," said Dr. Joan Shook, chief of emergency services at Texas Children's Hospital. "Shaken Baby Syndrome is a growing problem in which infants are punished to the point of death, just for crying, because an adult temporarily loses control."

Shaken Baby Syndrome most often occurs when a care giver becomes frustrated with a crying baby. Babies have large, heavy heads and weak, underdeveloped neck muscles. The whiplash action of shaking causes the brain to ricochet about the baby's tiny skull and the blood vessels connecting the brain to the skull to tear. Consequences include brain damage, seizures, paralysis, blindness and death.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a fairly recent diagnosis, no more than 25 years old, and advances in medical technology plus heightened awareness by medical personnel and law enforcement officials have led to an increase in the number of cases. However, many people still do not understand the severity of the problem.

"More public education is needed in order to better investigate, treat and prevent this form of child abuse," added Shook.

To remind parents, babysitters and other care givers of the severe and fatal dangers associated with shaking a child, Dr. Shook offers a few helpful exercises for adults to use when calming a crying baby.

• Remain calm. Crying spells are normal and can last from 15 minutes to several hours. While the experience can be frustrating for parents, the episode will pass.
  
  
• Try T.L.C. Often, crying babies are soothed by gentle motions and steady, calming vocal tones. Infants respond well to the low hum of a vacuum cleaner and a soothing car ride. Rocking and walking are also proven baby pleasers.
  
  
• Take some time out. Ask a trustworthy family member or friend to stay with the baby while you retreat for a few minutes. Or, simply leave the baby lying in the crib and retreat to another room for a few minutes. A break will give you fresh perspective.
  
  
• Check with your doctor. If the baby continues to cry, call your pediatrician, who may be able to offer reassuring advice.
  
  
• Never, never shake your baby. The result of your loss of control could be fatal.

"Consistently, the number one reason a baby is shaken is for inconsolable crying," Dr. Shook adds, "but no matter how loud the wails become, it is never okay to shake a baby."

CONTACT: Laura Floyd of Texas Children's Hospital, 713-770-2801