Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
What is Cephalohematoma?
A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp of a newborn infant. The blood pool is located between the periosteum (an envelope over a bone) and a bone.
Common Causes
- Birth injury during labor and delivery
- Large fetal head/small pelvic outlet on mother
- Underlying fracture of skull bone in 5-10% of cases
- Forceps delivery
- Birth by vacuum extraction
Common Symptoms
- Bulge over part of the infant’s skull
- Soft, mushy area over small cephalohematomas
- Firm area over large cephalohematomasComplications of a cephalohematoma include jaundice if the blood pool was large as re-absorption of the blood clot may generate bilirubin as the breakdown occurs.
Additional complications
- Infection of the blood collection
- Minimal fractures
- Formation of calcium deposits on the skull
It may take up to three months for a cephalohematoma to disappear, but no treatment is typically needed.
Cephalohematomas are similar to caput succedaneum, which are more superficially located on the head.
If your child was injured during birth (or soon after) you may be entitled to compensation to assist your family with medical and other expenses related to the care of your child. Contact an experienced Boston birth injury attorney who specializes in birth injury cases.
Kiley Law Group will evaluate your case for FREE! Our lawyers will fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Call now 1-888-208-1695.
