In Livingston County, Joshua Patrick Vincent will face felony charges of first degree child abuse. On June 30, 2008, Mr. Vincent was caring for his 7-month-old daughter while the mother of the infant was out shopping. Police were called to the home on Broad Street that evening. Allegedly, Mr. Vincent told paramedics the baby was vomiting and he was ascending stairs with her when he fell on her. Physicians examined the infant and found her to have Shaken Baby Syndrome. News stories report that Mr. Vincent admitted to shaking the infant and mistreating her.
The common signs and symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome include poor feeding, failure to thrive, vomiting, weakness, irritability, a change in overall muscle tone, decreased alertness, seizures, pale skin color, cool skin temperature, difficulty breathing and sudden respiratory or cardiac arrest. The fontanelles may be swollen depending on the age of the infant. It is important to remember that there may be no bruising, scrapes or outward physical signs of trauma. There may be only a change in behavior as described in the first sentence. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
