Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood that forms between a baby’s skull and scalp. The swelling isn’t inside the brain, but it can nonetheless look and feel alarming. It usually shows up as a soft, raised bump on a newborn’s head, often a few hours after birth.
This kind of injury happens when blood vessels rupture during delivery and leak blood into the space under the scalp. While cephalohematomas are most common in newborns, they can also occur in situations involving blunt force trauma to the head. Either way, it’s not something to ignore.
Cephalohematoma Symptoms: What To Look For
Most people first notice a firm bump on the baby’s head. It might feel soft at first, then harden as the blood clots. The swelling doesn’t cross the suture lines of the skull because the bleeding is contained in one area, which is how doctors usually recognize it.
Other symptoms can depend on how large the cephalohematoma is and whether there are other injuries. In some cases, bruising or skin discoloration might show up around the bump. If the area gets infected, it can become red, warm, or painful to the touch — all signs that something more serious is going on.
The lump can sometimes put pressure on nearby tissues and cause discomfort. With larger injuries, there’s also a chance that it could trigger complications like jaundice or anemia. As the body reabsorbs the blood from the injury over time, it can affect red blood cell or bilirubin levels.
Possible Cephalohematoma Causes
Birth trauma is the most frequent cause of cephalohematoma. Long, difficult labor, use of forceps, or vacuum extraction during delivery can all put intense pressure on an infant’s head. This pressure can cause the tiny blood vessels under the scalp to break. The swelling doesn’t usually appear instantly — it may take hours or even a full day to show up.
Labor isn’t the only time that a cephalohematoma can form. Any kind of direct head injury can trigger this kind of swelling. In infants and children, even a short fall can cause sufficient trauma to rupture blood vessels and lead to cephalohematoma.
What makes this injury different from other types of head trauma is where the bleeding occurs. The blood accumulates between the skull and the periosteum, a tough membrane covering the bone. Because it’s bound by this layer, the swelling stays localized in a specific area and doesn’t spread across the scalp.
The Impact of Cephalohematoma Injuries
A cephalohematoma might look small on the outside, but it’s still a sign of internal bleeding. It doesn’t always cause long-term damage, but it still deserves to be taken seriously. Cephalohematoma can signal deeper issues or complications, and in some situations, it may be part of a larger injury that isn’t immediately obvious.
Considering the Legal Implications
When a cephalohematoma happens because of negligence in the delivery room, it can have both medical and legal consequences. While the medical side focuses on treatment and recovery, the legal side looks at responsibility.
If the injury was preventable because someone got careless, that changes the picture. In these cases, documentation and testimony from medical experts are crucial for building a strong case. The details matter, especially when determining whether someone’s actions led to the injury.
When a Bump Signals Something Bigger
Cephalohematomas are more than just innocuous bumps on the head. They’re a visible indication that something went wrong during or after birth. They can come with risks and complications, and sometimes, they raise questions about fault. That’s why knowing the facts about how and why they happen matters.
To learn how a personal injury lawyer can help, contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
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