The absence of complete development of the infant brain makes the brain softer and during shaking more easily distorted and compressed within the skull. The combined effect of blood clots under the coverings of the brain, torn nerves and decreased oxygen lead to massive traumatic destruction of the brain tissue, immediate brain swelling and enormous increases in the pressure within the skull. The swelling compounds the problem by causing compression of the blood vessels and decreasing further the capabilities of the vascular system to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. With the destruction of the brain tissue are other injuries, most significant of these is bleeding behind the back of the eyes. Signs and symptoms are variable, but can be seen as a continuum from irritability, and lethargy, to decreased responsiveness, limpness, seizures, vomiting, vital sign instability, dilated pupils and death.
Treatment is only after the incident and symptom driven at best.
This means infants go on to be totally care dependent for the rest of their lives. Included in this picture are feeding tubes, multiple medications, seizures, tracheostomies, and infections. The best treatment is prevention. The goals of this project will be met through the utilization of a sixth grade curriculum , a permanent multimedia interactive display on SBS Prevention at the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center, one mobile interactive display utilized for programs at community settings, three community kiosk displays on SBS prevention, Men's Parenting Classes, and coordination of programs and services available to populations at risk. We applaud their efforts.