Cephalohematoma vs. Caput Succedaneum

A newborn’s head is particularly susceptible to injuries because the bones of the skull are not yet fused and hardened to form a protective cap around the brain. Additionally, when a baby is pulled out of the birth canal with a vacuum or forceps, these tools can cause injuries to the tissue around the skull. Two such injuries are cephalohematomas and caput succedaneum.

These two injuries occur in the tissue surrounding the skull, causing bruising and swelling. However, they differ in the exact location of the injury. With a caput succedaneum, the swelling occurs in the scalp tissue. A cephalohematoma happens in the thin tissue that covers the skull itself, called the periosteum. Thus, it is almost always located over one plate of the skull, while a caput can cross the midline of the bone.

Neither cephalohematomas nor caput succedaneum are particularly dangerous and often go away on their own. However, caput succedaneum can lead to jaundice as a baby’s liver tries to break down the old blood that is built up in the swollen lump. Cephalohematomas can lead to jaundice as well, but they can also indicate a deeper problem such as a skull fracture. A doctor may suspect a skull fracture if the swelling is not localized to one plate of the skull and crosses suture lines.

While forceps and vacuums may be necessary to aid in the delivery of a baby, mishandling of these tools can lead to injuries in your newborn. If your baby has suffered from a cephalohematoma or a caput succedaneum, you should speak to a birth injury lawyer about your legal options.

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For more information on birth injuries and your legal rights, contact the experienced Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today at 215-238-1130