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DPS probes possible shaken baby syndrome death
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Posted on Nov 08 2000
DPS probes possible shaken baby syndrome death
Police are investigating the death of a six-month-old baby girl last Monday night which doctors suspected was caused by shaken baby syndrome.
According to a police report, the baby was rushed to the hospital by the baby sitter on Oct. 30, 2000 to the Commonwealth Health Center emergency room due to seizures and fever.
The baby sitter claimed that baby had apparently rolled up on the bed accidentally hitting the metal part of the bed while the caretaker went to the toilet for a few minutes.
Doctors at CHC said the baby died of massive brain injury Monday at around 10:30 p.m. The Department of Public Safety wants an autopsy conducted to determine the cause of death.
Parents of the baby, Jonathan Mendoza and Lory Dizon, have sought the help of the Philippine Consulate while the baby was still confined at the hospital and hooked to a life support system for a few days.
The Division of Youth Services had reported the case to DPS for possible case of child abuse.
Many parents may not know anything about the shaken infant syndrome which was first identified by a pediatric radiologist in 1972 as a form of child abuse.
A frustrated parent or caregiver becomes angry at a crying infant and shakes the child into silent submission not knowing that it can rattle the child into unconsciousness or cause enough brain damage to kill him within seconds.
Doctors said brain damage results when the infant’s brain slams repeatedly against the skull’s interior. Although bleeding and swelling are not visible externally, fingerprint-shaped bruises may show where the adult gripped the baby. (LFR)
