Cephalohematoma in newborns on the head - symptoms, treatment
A birth injury characterized by the formation of a hematoma is called a cephalohematoma. Pathology is diagnosed in 3% of babies, regardless of gender. Cephalohematoma in newborns on the head can be accompanied by various complications: deformation of the bones of the skull, suppuration, anemia and jaundice. Formations are of different sizes and depend primarily on the amount of accumulated blood. Due to the failure of the hemostasis system in the baby's body, blood can accumulate for several days after delivery.
Causes of cephalohematoma during childbirth:
- large fruit;
- rapid childbirth;
- improper position of the fetus;
- premature or prolonged childbirth;
- surrounding the umbilical cord;
- discrepancy in the size of the mother's pelvis and the fetal head;
- pathologies of intrauterine development;
- use of forceps during childbirth.
Classification of cephalohematoma
External cephalohematoma is a hemorrhage between the periosteum and the outer surface of the bones of the skull, which disappears by the end of the second month of the baby's life.
Depending on the location, the hemorrhage can be frontal, occipital, parietal, and temporal. According to the degree of severity, cephalohematoma of the I degree (the volume of the hematoma is 3-4 cm), II (4-9 cm) and III (hemorrhage more than 9 cm) are distinguished. The consequences of a birth cephalohematoma in the future depend on the size of the formation and the general condition of the newborn. Taking into account the location of the hemorrhage, the cephalohematoma can be left-sided, right-sided, or bilateral. In some cases, the pathology is accompanied by accompanying injuries - fractures (cracks) of the bones of the skull.
Signs of ossified cephalohematoma
Cephalohematoma occurs within a few hours after the birth of the baby. Over the next 2-3 days, the formation increases in size, after which a period of regression occurs. Complete resorption of the hematoma occurs by the end of the 8th week.
Main symptoms:
- the hematoma has clear boundaries;
- on the 2nd-3rd day, the growth of the hematoma stops;
- the color of the skin in the area of the cephalohematoma is unchanged;
- the formation is soft to the touch;
- the general condition of the baby does not change.
On our website Dobrobut.com, you can make an appointment with a specialist and get an answer to any question. The doctor will tell about the main signs of ossified cephalohematoma and methods of treatment of the pathology.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made after a thorough examination of the baby. Ultrasound, CT, neurosonography, and craniogram will help differentiate cephalohematoma from brain hernia, birth tumor, coagulopathy, congenital mycoplasmosis, and hemorrhage under the aponeurosis.
Treatment of cephalohematoma in a child
Hemorrhage is treated by a neonatologist or a pediatric surgeon. A small hematoma does not require special treatment. The baby is prescribed calcium and vitamin K preparations for 5-7 days. The course of therapy for uncomplicated pathology is 7-10 days. It will take at least a month to treat a cephalohematoma in a child with complications. A child with such a diagnosis must be registered with a surgeon and a neurologist.
Neonatologists recommend using troxerutin to accelerate the healing of cephalohematoma. The gel is applied to the hematoma area twice a day. This drug improves the tone of blood vessels and prevents further penetration of blood.
For a large hemorrhage (more than 9 cm in volume), the doctor will prescribe surgery. Puncture of a cephalohematoma of the parietal bone is a procedure that is safe for the baby's health and takes no more than 10 minutes. The child's skin at the site of hematoma formation is pierced with a special needle, the blood is sucked out, after which the puncture site is disinfected and a pressure bandage is applied. Surgical removal of a cephalohematoma is indicated for suppuration, as well as for the III degree of pathology development.
Recommendations of the doctor after the puncture:
- parents must strictly follow all the specialist's advice;
- not engage in self-medication;
- protect the newborn's head from damage;
- use a cap one size larger;
- carefully monitor the general condition of the baby.
Consequences and prognosis
In most cases, the prognosis is favorable. Serious consequences occur only in a small percentage of babies due to displacement of brain structures under the pressure of a hematoma and blood accumulation.
The most dire consequences:
- infection of meninges;
- anemia;
- compression of the optic (auditory) nerves;
- suppuration;
- ossification of cephalohematoma with deformation of skull bones.
If you still have questions, make an appointment for a consultation by phone or fill out the form on the website.
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