Hawk Law Group | October 25, 2023 | Birth Injuries, Medical Malpractice

Causes & Symptoms of Cephalohematoma

A baby’s body is particularly sensitive, leaving babies prone to suffering several types of injuries, particularly during birth. One of the most common kinds of birth injuries in newborns is cephalohematoma.

If your child suffers from cephalohematoma in Georgia, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. A birth injury lawyer can review the specifics of your case to determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim. 

What Is Cephalohematoma?

Cephalohematoma is a pooling of blood that forms under a newborn’s scalp, right outside the skull. The blood collects right around the damaged blood vessels, turning into a lifted, visible bump on the child’s head.

Cephalohematomas typically form after a baby’s head suffers trauma, often during childbirth. While cephalohematomas can be non-life threatening and heal on their own, in some cases, they could lead to complications and can even be fatal.

Causes of Cephalohematoma

A cephalohematoma can form while the baby is still in utero if the head is pressed against the mother’s pelvis during labor and delivery. Cephalohematomas also often form during childbirth if excessive force is used, especially from the use of vacuums and forceps. 

Medical care providers are responsible for ensuring you and your child remain as safe as possible during the delivery process. When your doctor or other provider acts negligently, this could cause injury to your child.

If your baby suffers a cephalohematoma, it’s important to carefully review the medical records from your labor and delivery to determine the exact cause of the injury and whether a medical provider could be at fault. If so, you may have the opportunity to pursue justice for the harm you and your newborn suffered. 

What Are the Symptoms of Cephalohematoma?

Cephalohematoma can produce several symptoms in addition to a bulging spot on the baby’s head. 

Other symptoms of the injury can include:

  • Infections: Infection can begin at the site of the injury and lead to potential complications
  • Anemia: The injury can cause low red blood cell levels, resulting in anemia
  • Jaundice: Caused by an excess of bilirubin, jaundice can cause a baby’s skin or eyes to turn yellow
  • Seizures: Severe cephalohematomas can result in brain injuries that could lead to seizures
  • Extreme Fatigue: Cephalohematoma can take a toll on a newborn’s body, causing them to sleep more than usual and appear lethargic when awake 

Symptoms of cephalohematoma can worsen with time, causing further complications. For example, infections may begin localized at the area of the infection but may spread to form a systemic infection, like sepsis or meningitis, requiring more extensive medical treatment. 

It’s important to pay close attention to babies after birth. Some birth injuries, like cephalohematomas, don’t cause symptoms right away. Therefore, signs of the injury may take a few days or weeks to appear. 

What Are Some Risk Factors For Cephalohematoma?

Almost any newborn baby is at risk of suffering a cephalohematoma, especially when negligence is to blame. 

However, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of the injury, including:

  • Difficult or prolonged labor
  • Assisted delivery
  • Multiple babies, like twins or triplets
  • A larger-than-average baby

Doctors should recognize risk factors before they become an issue and efficiently handle any problems that arise during childbirth to minimize risk. When your provider fails to give you the appropriate level of care, your baby could suffer the consequences — which is medical malpractice.

What To Do If Your Child Suffers Cephalohematoma

If your baby sustained a cephalohematoma during childbirth in Georgia, it is essential to discuss your case with a qualified birth injury attorney. An attorney can review the details of your case to determine whether you have a claim. Should you have a case, your lawyer can handle everything to ensure you reach the best possible case result.

For more information, please contact the Medical Malpractice lawyers at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and its surrounding areas:

Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722 3500

Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863 6500

Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361 0350

Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437 9122

Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226 9089

We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.