Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson: Rise in abusive head trauma cases after recession
by DR. WENDY SUE SWANSON / Pediatrician
Posted on April 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Updated Wednesday, Apr 3 at 11:30 AM
Facts about abusive head trauma:
- Results from shaking the head of infant or small child
- Cases are up 55 percent since 2007 (recession), to 17/100,000 births
- 68 percent of babies who suffer abusive head trauma will have long-term neurologic impairments
- 52 percent of abusive head trauma patients will have behavioral problems
Preventing abusive head trauma:
- Inconsolable crying is #1 trigger for shaking
- Remember crying is normal
- Education on normal crying
- A statewide Abusive Head Trauma Task Force was created in 2010
- Use of PURPLE Crying Prevention
What parents need to know:
- All babies cry, and some will cry up to 5-6 hours a day
- Crying peaks around 6-8 weeks of age
- Support new parents, take turns caring for infants
- Read about PURPLE
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