Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma is a condition that occurs in newborns involving a collection of blood between the baby's skull and the outer covering of the bone called the periosteum. It usually happens due to pressure or trauma during delivery, especially with the use of instruments like forceps or vacuum. This condition affects the head and scalp and appears as a soft, raised bump on the baby's head. The swelling is confined by the skull bones, so it does not cross suture lines. While it may look concerning, it generally does not cause pain or harm to the baby. The main health impact is cosmetic and the swelling typically resolves on its own over weeks to months.

Cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal hemorrhage occurring in neonates, characterized by blood accumulation between the periosteum and the skull bone. It results primarily from rupture of periosteal blood vessels due to mechanical trauma during delivery, such as prolonged labor or instrumental assistance with forceps or vacuum extraction. The hemorrhage is limited by cranial sutures, distinguishing it from other scalp hematomas. Clinically, it presents as a firm, well-demarcated swelling on the infant's scalp that develops hours to days after birth. The condition is significant because it can lead to jaundice from hemolysis of the trapped blood and rarely, infection or calcification. Diagnosis is important to differentiate it from other neonatal scalp swellings like caput succedaneum or subgaleal hemorrhage.