home
RSS
August 15th, 2008
02:25 PM ET

Shaken baby tragedy

By Dr. Sanjay Gupta
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent

A few years ago, a woman called me in the middle of the night to tell me her son-in-law had been taken to jail. This was a woman I knew pretty well, and I was stunned to hear the story she proceeded to tell me. Her grandchild (his daughter) had been found unconscious at the house and taken to the hospital. Doctors there quickly figured out the child had been shaken. Just a few months old, her little neck muscles had not been strong enough to stabilize her head, which in young children is relatively bigger with respect to their bodies. She developed a blood collection on her brain and shearing of small blood vessels deep inside. Ultimately, she never recovered; she died in her mother’s arms. The little girl’s dad had been the only one in the home and subsequently admitted to handling the child in a rough manner when she was persistently crying.

In a moment of anger, he had killed his child and essentially sentenced himself to imprisonment. As a dad, I can’t imagine the incredible grief he is still suffering today, so many years later. As a neurosurgeon, I have seen this story play out more times than I care to remember.

It is of little value to say that he didn’t mean it. He is a good man who made a terrible mistake. It did make me wonder, though, just how much are young parents equipped to be able to deal with babies and very young children. Most parents are shocked when I tell them the consequences of shaking a baby or handling the child in a rough manner. Add in a little immaturity, lack of necessary patience, and you literally have a prescription for disaster.

As you can read today (link to story), there are some relatively simple ways to prevent a fatal mistake. But, should we be doing more?

There are no instruction manuals when it comes to children, as there are with most other things in life.

Should there be a sort of “manual” and what sort of things should be in it? What would you put in a manual that goes home with new parents?

Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation.


« Previous entry
soundoff (1,260 Responses)
  1. parkinson drugs for sale

    Magnificent website. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks in your sweat! https://parkinsonmedi.com parkinson drugs for sale https://parkinsonmedi.com/

    February 23, 2021 at 20:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. buy epilepsy threatment

    fantastic publish, very informative. I'm wondering why the opposite specialists of this sector don't understand this. You must proceed your writing. I'm confident, you've a great readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com buy epilepsy threatment https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 23, 2021 at 20:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. epilepsy drugs

    great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com epilepsy drugs https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 23, 2021 at 20:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. hyperactivity for sale

    I am continuously browsing online for ideas that can benefit me. Thanks! https://hyperactivitymed.com hyperactivity for sale https://hyperactivitymed.com/

    February 23, 2021 at 22:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. buy parkinson drugs

    Fantastic web site. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks in your sweat! https://parkinsonmedi.com buy parkinson drugs https://parkinsonmedi.com/

    February 23, 2021 at 23:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. buy heart failure drugs

    You got a very wonderful website, Sword lily I noticed it through google. https://heartischemiamed.com buy heart failure drugs https://heartischemiamed.com/

    February 23, 2021 at 23:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. underactive thyroid medication

    Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! https://hypothyroidismmed.com/ underactive thyroid medication https://hypothyroidismmed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. best bronchitis meds

    I actually wanted to construct a comment in order to appreciate you for all of the fabulous guidelines you are giving out at this site. My extended internet investigation has at the end been compensated with brilliant details to exchange with my co-workers. I 'd assume that many of us readers actually are extremely blessed to be in a fantastic community with many brilliant individuals with good guidelines. I feel pretty blessed to have come across the web page and look forward to many more awesome minutes reading here. Thank you again for a lot of things. https://bronchitismed.com best bronchitis meds https://bronchitismed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Hypothyroidism medication for sale

    Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! https://hypothyroidismmed.com/ Hypothyroidism medication for sale https://hypothyroidismmed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. osteoporosis drugs with least side effects

    I learned more new things on this weight loss issue. One issue is that good nutrition is highly vital when dieting. A huge reduction in fast foods, sugary foods, fried foods, sugary foods, red meat, and white flour products may be necessary. Holding wastes parasites, and toxins may prevent goals for losing fat. While certain drugs temporarily solve the problem, the nasty side effects are not worth it, and they never offer more than a temporary solution. It is a known fact that 95% of fad diets fail. Thanks for sharing your ideas on this blog. https://osteoporosismedi.com osteoporosis drugs with least side effects https://osteoporosismedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. epilepsy drugs over the counter for sale

    excellent put up, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector don't notice this. You must proceed your writing. I'm confident, you've a great readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com epilepsy drugs over the counter for sale https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. otc bronchitis meds

    I really wanted to post a quick note to say thanks to you for the precious solutions you are sharing here. My prolonged internet lookup has finally been paid with professional insight to share with my friends and family. I would point out that most of us visitors are undoubtedly fortunate to exist in a perfect place with so many outstanding people with interesting solutions. I feel somewhat happy to have encountered your webpage and look forward to so many more exciting moments reading here. Thanks once again for all the details. https://bronchitismed.com what antibiotics treat bronchitis https://bronchitismed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. osteoporosis drugs over the counter

    I realized more a new challenge on this fat loss issue. A single issue is that good nutrition is very vital any time dieting. A massive reduction in junk food, sugary food items, fried foods, sugary foods, beef, and white-colored flour products could be necessary. Having wastes parasitic organisms, and toxic compounds may prevent targets for fat loss. While specific drugs in the short term solve the situation, the awful side effects usually are not worth it, and so they never offer you more than a momentary solution. This is a known undeniable fact that 95% of celebrity diets fail. Thank you for sharing your opinions on this website. https://osteoporosismedi.com osteoporosis drugs over the counter https://osteoporosismedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. generic epilepsy medication

    great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com generic epilepsy medication https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 00:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. buy epilepsy medication

    magnificent publish, very informative. I'm wondering why the opposite specialists of this sector don't understand this. You must proceed your writing. I'm confident, you've a great readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com buy epilepsy medication https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 02:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. best medication for hypothyroidism

    Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! https://hypothyroidismmed.com/ best medication for hypothyroidism https://hypothyroidismmed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 02:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. treatment for chronic bronchitis

    I truly wanted to write down a small word to be able to thank you for those wonderful ways you are writing on this website. My time intensive internet search has now been rewarded with wonderful tips to write about with my visitors. I would tell you that most of us site visitors actually are really endowed to dwell in a great network with so many lovely people with helpful opinions. I feel rather grateful to have discovered your web site and look forward to really more enjoyable moments reading here. Thanks once again for all the details. https://bronchitismed.com buy bronchitis medications https://bronchitismed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 03:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. medication for bronchitis

    I wanted to compose a comment in order to appreciate you for all of the awesome concepts you are giving at this site. My considerable internet investigation has at the end been compensated with beneficial content to exchange with my classmates and friends. I 'd admit that many of us readers actually are definitely blessed to be in a fabulous community with many awesome individuals with beneficial basics. I feel extremely blessed to have come across the site and look forward to many more amazing minutes reading here. Thank you again for a lot of things. https://bronchitismed.com medication for bronchitis https://bronchitismed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. home remedies for bronchitis cough

    I truly wanted to write down a small word to be able to thank you for those unique tricks you are writing on this website. My time intensive internet search has now been rewarded with useful tips to write about with my two friends. I would tell you that we website visitors are very much lucky to live in a wonderful website with very many wonderful professionals with very helpful tips and hints. I feel very much privileged to have used your entire website page and look forward to tons of more thrilling times reading here. Thanks a lot once more for everything. https://bronchitismed.com home remedies for bronchitis cough https://bronchitismed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. best prescription drugs for Hypothyroidism

    Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! https://hypothyroidismmed.com/ best prescription drugs for Hypothyroidism https://hypothyroidismmed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. epilepsy drugs over the counter for sale

    excellent put up, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector don't notice this. You must proceed your writing. I'm confident, you've a great readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com epilepsy drugs over the counter for sale https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. epilepsy medication for sale

    excellent put up, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector don't notice this. You must proceed your writing. I'm confident, you've a great readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com epilepsy medication for sale https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Hypothyroidism drugs for sale

    Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it's truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! https://hypothyroidismmed.com/ Hypothyroidism drugs for sale https://hypothyroidismmed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. osteoporosis medications

    I realized more something totally new on this fat loss issue. 1 issue is that good nutrition is very vital whenever dieting. An enormous reduction in junk food, sugary food items, fried foods, sugary foods, beef, and whitened flour products could be necessary. Keeping wastes parasitic organisms, and toxic compounds may prevent targets for fat loss. While specific drugs in the short term solve the situation, the awful side effects usually are not worth it, and so they never offer you more than a momentary solution. This is a known undeniable fact that 95% of dietary fads fail. Thank you for sharing your opinions on this website. https://osteoporosismedi.com osteoporosis medications https://osteoporosismedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. buy osteoporosis medication

    I figured out more interesting things on this weight-loss issue. One particular issue is a good nutrition is especially vital while dieting. A tremendous reduction in junk food, sugary food, fried foods, sweet foods, beef, and bright flour products could possibly be necessary. Possessing wastes organisms, and harmful toxins may prevent ambitions for fat-loss. While selected drugs for the short term solve the challenge, the horrible side effects are certainly not worth it, and they also never present more than a non permanent solution. It is just a known idea that 95% of diet plans fail. Many thanks for sharing your thinking on this blog site. https://osteoporosismedi.com buy osteoporosis medication https://osteoporosismedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 10:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. bronchitis threatment

    I actually wanted to develop a brief message in order to appreciate you for all the great ideas you are giving out at this website. My extensive internet look up has at the end been honored with extremely good facts to talk about with my friends and family. I would point out that most of us visitors are undoubtedly fortunate to exist in a really good site with so many outstanding people with useful solutions. I feel somewhat happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more exciting moments reading here. Thanks once again for all the details. https://bronchitismed.com otc bronchitis meds https://bronchitismed.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 12:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. best epilepsy medication

    wonderful submit, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers' base already! https://epilepsymedi.com best epilepsy medication https://epilepsymedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 12:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. drugs used to treat osteoporosis

    I figured out more interesting things on this weight-loss issue. One particular issue is a good nutrition is especially vital while dieting. A tremendous reduction in junk food, sugary food, fried foods, sweet foods, beef, and bright flour products could possibly be necessary. Possessing wastes organisms, and harmful toxins may prevent ambitions for fat-loss. While selected drugs for the short term solve the challenge, the horrible side effects are certainly not worth it, and they also never present more than a non permanent solution. It is just a known idea that 95% of diet plans fail. Many thanks for sharing your thinking on this blog site. https://osteoporosismedi.com drugs used to treat osteoporosis https://osteoporosismedi.com/

    February 24, 2021 at 13:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Get Info

    You can certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren't afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.

    http://www.payshope.com

    February 26, 2021 at 04:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. have a peek here

    I’m impressed, I have to say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you've got hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the difficulty is one thing that not sufficient persons are speaking intelligently about. I am very pleased that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.

    http://mommypie.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/my-new-marriage-tradition-whos-with-me

    February 26, 2021 at 05:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Web Site

    Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it's driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.

    http://diadelemprendedor.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/i-concurso-de-resolucion-de-un-caso-practico-aprender-a-emprender/

    February 27, 2021 at 17:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Zetta Shifflett

    I in addition to my buddies were actually examining the great secrets and techniques located on your website while all of a sudden got a terrible feeling I never expressed respect to the web site owner for those tips. All the boys came totally very interested to read all of them and have now in reality been tapping into these things. Appreciate your being well considerate and then for using this sort of helpful subject areas most people are really desirous to know about. Our honest regret for not saying thanks to sooner.

    https://diamondequity.com/chicago-we-buy-houses/

    February 28, 2021 at 10:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. ClarkTauts

    e34n9 32g31 87s3

    February 28, 2021 at 13:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Clare Camba

    hello!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I require an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that's you! Looking forward to see you.

    https://www.topnotchlock-smith.com/

    February 28, 2021 at 16:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. ChasUStudler

    Good article! We have been linking to this particular particularly great article on our website.
    Continue the excellent writing.

    Here is my web-site ChasUStudler

    February 28, 2021 at 18:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. ClarkTauts

    jniwm t7ccx u66l

    March 1, 2021 at 02:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Nathaniel Sobenes

    I'm not sure why but this site is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I'll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

    https://proxyti.com/buy/2000-private-proxies

    March 1, 2021 at 16:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. ClarkTauts

    uafsi 02tqq jwk7

    March 1, 2021 at 19:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Medicare Leads

    Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any methods to prevent hackers?

    http://foro.infojardin.com/proxy.php?link=https://insurancelead.net

    March 2, 2021 at 07:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Best Mutual Funds

    I think that is one of the most significant information for me. And i'm satisfied studying your article. But want to statement on some basic things, The site style is ideal, the articles is in reality great : D. Just right process, cheers

    http://ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk/login?url=https://www.safemutualfund.com

    March 2, 2021 at 12:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Breaking News

    I just couldn't depart your website prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often to check up on new posts

    https://telemail.jp/_pcsite/?des=015660&gsn=0156603&url=breakingnewsmail.com

    March 3, 2021 at 11:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. living sky casino new years eve

    New pages for the website is simply one supply of there. I do believe how the online game
    is prepared to take everyone. Your key phase is "what do you want to get this work done?".

    March 4, 2021 at 04:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. best way to build email list

    Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks

    http://www.tunesbaby.com/yt/?x=zI7OihYF1AY

    March 4, 2021 at 17:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. microsoft office home and business 2019 for windows

    great points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?

    https://gumroad.com/6284237555601/p/microsoft-office-home-2019

    March 5, 2021 at 01:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. microsoft office home and student 2019 discount

    I've been browsing online greater than 3 hours lately, but I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is pretty value enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you did, the net will probably be much more helpful than ever before.

    https://www.blurb.com/user/springgallon

    March 5, 2021 at 12:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Andrebourb

    DoubleBTC.WIN – Double your bitcoin in 24 hours –
    Double your bitcoin in 24 hours equals to 100% profit a day that equals to 36,500% annual interest.
    Click : https://bitdouble.net

    March 5, 2021 at 14:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Weblink

    A lot of of whatever you assert is astonishingly appropriate and it makes me ponder why I had not looked at this with this light before. This piece truly did turn the light on for me as far as this particular subject goes. Nevertheless there is one point I am not too cozy with so whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the actual main theme of your position, permit me observe just what the rest of the visitors have to say.Very well done.

    http://lifejordan.com/ask2/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=harborlead4

    March 6, 2021 at 16:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Visit Website

    Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

    http://wert-tools.ru/user/icechurch50/

    March 7, 2021 at 02:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. lengkapnya

    May I simply just say what a comfort to find an individual who truly knows tahapan untuk main poker This website is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with some originality!

    http://www.valmarq.com/keuntungan-bermain-dadu-koprok/

    March 7, 2021 at 09:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Click Site

    Definitely, what a great website and revealing posts, I will bookmark your blog.All the Best!

    https://ccm.net/profile/user/marketsphynx17

    March 8, 2021 at 12:13 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Leave a Reply to Kasandra Niedens


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

« Previous entry
Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.