Associated symptoms
Cephalhematoma is often associated with other birth injuries, such as skull fractures or other head tumors. These include the “caput succedaneum”, which is also called a birth tumor and consists of fluid located under the skin. Without any additional treatment, it completely recedes within a few hours to days.
The “subgaleatic hematoma” consists of a bruise that sits above the periosteum and is also caused by shear forces. During childbirth it can also lead to a fracture of the child’s collarbone or various paralyses caused by nerve irritation or bruising. These, as well as the fractures and tumors, heal in the vast majority of cases without consequences.
Treatment
In the treatment of cephalhematoma, the prophylactic administration of vitamin K should be carried out properly. A vitamin K deficiency leads to a disturbance of coagulation and can cause or increase bleeding. In general, one can only wait for the body’s own reduction of the bruise, which can take weeks to months depending on the size of the tumor.
If the findings are very pronounced, however, a relieving puncture of the haematoma can provide relief, but this involves a seriously increasing risk of inflammation and should therefore be considered carefully. The situation is different if an additional skull fracture has occurred which does not follow a straight line or whose fracture components are dented. In this case a surgeon must treat the fracture and can remove the bruise as far as possible.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is only required if an additional skull fracture has occurred that does not follow a straight line or if the fracture components have been dented. To remedy this condition, a surgeon must treat the fracture site and allow the skull bones to grow together properly. This can also remove the bruise, which facilitates the healing of the cephalhematoma. Of course, surgery is also necessary if the brain or other organs have suffered a birth injury.In conclusion, surgery is not necessary to treat a cephal hematoma as long as no complications or further injuries have occurred.
