Shaken Baby Syndrome Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Abstract

The term shaken baby refers to violent back-and-forth movements of the head by the carer, which can result in severe clinical results such as bleeding. This aggression may not result in external damage, but it has a significant impact on inside organs. Repeated acceleration and deceleration produced by shaking are also linked to brain damage. According to studies, a common activity that accompanies shaken infant syndrome is the prolonged wailing of a healthy baby. The cause, symptoms, and treatment of shaken baby syndrome are now discussed briefly.

Introduction

Shaken baby syndrome is a type of mental illness that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken. When this happens, the nerve travels back to the skull, causing bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Shaken Baby Syndrome is known to cause long-term brain damage and even death.

Causes of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when a parent shakes the baby out of anger or stress. Babies cannot support the weight of their heads because of weak neck muscles. This can cause bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome

1. Drowsiness
2. Poor eating
3. Excessive irritability
4. Vomiting
5. Seizures
6. Coma
7. Paralysis
8. Breathing problem
9. Bluish or pale skin
10. Thrive failure
11. Lethargy
12. Difficulty staying awake
13. Head enlargement
14. Trouble sucking
15. Dilated pupil

Risk Factors of Shaken Baby Syndrome

1. Stress
2. Domestic violence
3. Depression
4. Alcohol abuse
5. Unrealistic expectations of babies
6. Single parenthood or young parenthood
7. History of mistreatment of the child
8. Unstable family situations

Complications of Shaken Baby Syndrome

1. Irreversible brain damage
2. Total or partial blindness
3. Seizure disorders
4. Cerebral palsy
5. Intellectual disability
6. Learning problems
7. Developmental delays
8. Behaviour issue

Physical Findings of Shaken Baby Syndrome

1. Retinal haemorrhage
2. Retinal haemorrhages
3. Concussions
4. Abdominal injuries
5. Swelling of soft tissue
6. Tense fontanel
7. Lacerations
8. Bruises occur on the abdomen, arms, or face.
9. Bruises occur on the scalp and back.
10. Head injury
11. Abnormally low blood pressure
12. Contusion

Diagnosis

1. History
2. X-rays
3. CT scan
4. MRI
5. Optic fundus examination
6. Drug screening
7. Nuclear scan
8. Routine blood sample

Ayurvedic Aspect of Shaken Baby Syndrome

In Ayurveda, the shaken baby syndrome is correlated with vitiated vata vyadhi. In Ayurveda, the brain or head is mentioned as the body part in which vitality resides. The brain is a production of kapha and rakta dhatu. All sensations and movements are derived from the brain, in which vata is involved. Prana vata is a type of vata dosha that is present in the whole body, commands the sense organ and brain, and is responsible for all types of reflexes, movements, and all vital functions.

Samprapti (Pathophysiology) of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Because of nidana (causes) like violently shaking the baby or a head injury, vata gets aggravated and causes degenerative changes in the nervous system that cause various disorders.

Symptoms of Vitiated Vata

1. Body tremors
2. Involuntary movement spectrum
3. Confusion
4. Altered higher mental functions
5. Decrease in strength
6. Decrease in the capacity of sense organs
7. Delusion
8. Delirium
9. Insomnia

Treatment

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious condition. In Ayurveda, we can only
provide supportive care to slow the progression of the disease. There are many herbs that balance vata energy and improve intelligence. This drug is particularly good for brain function and general body function. There are some herbal remedies that are given by Planet Ayurveda, especially for this syndrome, that are described below.

Some Herbal Remedies for Shaken Baby Syndrome from Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a registered Ayurvedic company that formulates various supplements for the treatment of disease. They follow all the basic principles of Ayurveda, which are given in the ancient textbook Ayurvedic Samhita. The products manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are pure and free of any adulteration. These products are pure, gluten-free. And for shaken baby syndrome, Planet Ayurveda has created various supplements that are beneficial.

Products List

1. Kumar Kalyan Ras
2. Neuroplan Syrup
3. Arvindasava
4. Kumar Kalyan Ras

Products Description

1. Kumar Kalyan Ras

Kumar kalyan ras is a polyherbal tablet that is formulated by Planet Ayurveda by using Aloe vera juice extract (Kumari rasa), Shuddha parada (Purified mercury), Mukta bhasma (Pearl calx), Swarna bhasma (Gold calx), Abhrak bhasma (Mica calx), Loha bhasma (Iron calx), Swarna Bhasma (Gold calx), and Makshika bhasma (formulation of iron and copper ore). Aloe vera is bitter, cold, unctuous, and heavy. It reduces all three doshas according to their action on the human body. It is an accumulation-breaking herb that alleviates ophthalmic disease. This remedy helps in the treatment of fever in children.

Dosage: after meals, 1 tablet twice daily.

2. Neuroplan Syrup

It is a polyherbal syrup that is formulated by Planet Ayurveda using Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), and other ingredients. This syrup is effective for the brain and nervous system. It is helpful in promoting energy and the health of the brain and is useful in preventing nerve damage. It enhances the strength and stamina of the body. Garlic helps in paralysis, whereas its daily consumption in the diet reduces body toxins besides controlling the lipid profile.

Dosage: after meals, 2 teaspoons twice daily.

3. Arvindasav

It is a polyherbal syrup that is formulated by Planet Ayurveda using Kamal Phool (Nelumbium speciosum), Khus (Vetiveria zizanioides), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Shahad (Honey), Pitta papda (Fumaria parviflora), water, and some other ingredients. It is bitter, pungent, and astringent in taste and light, dry, and cold in effect. It pacifies vata and kapha. The decoction of nagarmotha and pitpapra is the most commonly used for excessive thirst arising from fever. Honey is rich in energy. Its natural sugar serves as fuel for muscle activity and provides an instant source of energy.

Dosage: after meals, 2 teaspoons twice daily.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

The word shaken baby is characterised by violent back-and-forth throws of the head by the caretaker that can lead to severe clinical outcomes like haemorrhage. Shaken baby syndrome is a type of mental illness that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken. When this happens, the nerve travels back to the skull, causing bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Shaken Baby Syndrome is known to cause long-term brain damage and even death. In Ayurveda, the shaken baby syndrome is correlated with vitiated vata vyadhi. Because of nidana (causes) like violently shaking the baby or a head injury, vata gets aggravated and causes degenerative changes in the nervous system that cause various disorders. For ayurvedic treatment, Planet Ayurveda provides some herbal remedies that are formulated by their practitioners and give effective results without causing any side effects.