Infant hematoma is a traumatic brain injury that can be caused by the use of intervention during birth or shaken baby syndrome. Blood pools in the outermost meningeal layer and adheres to the skull and arachnoid matter surrounding the brain. Hematoma is usually the result from tears in the veins that cross the subdural space. It can cause intracranial pressure to increase which compresses and may damage brain tissue. Hematomas can be life threatening if they are acute, but some can be treated. The severity of the hematoma depends on how fast it happened, with acute hematoma that develops quickly is the most serious and can lead to death.
Causes of Infant Hematoma
Infant hematoma can be caused by the use of a vacuum during a difficult delivery. Both metal and soft cup extractors have been linked to infant hematoma. The vacuum can cause scalp injury which can contribute to a brain injury. Other risk factors include prematurity, gender (males are more likely to develop hematoma), and prolonged labor.
Symptoms of Infant Hematoma
Symptoms can include:
lethargy
loss of consciousness
weakness
seizure
vomiting and nausea
Those are the symptoms that are observable in an infant. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, altered mental and cognitive capacity, and dementia.
Other symptoms of an infant hematoma include an enlarged head circumference, swollen fontanel, and a misalignment of bones in the skull.
Treatments for Subdural Hematomas
Infant hematomas must be treated immediately to reduce any long term damage. A delay in treatment can lead to permanent brain damage. Treatment can involve surgery to reduce pressure on the brain. The surgery allows the blood to drain, thereby reducing swelling. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the hematomas.
Medications can also be used to treat hematoma. Anticonvulsants can be used to prevent a possible seizure and diuretics to reduce swelling.
Prognosis for Infant Hematoma
Prognosis for infant hematoma is good for those that receive an early diagnosis and treatment. Severe cases can are less favorable and can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Several factors influence the prognosis of infant hematoma. The location of the hematoma and the extent of brain damage are the most influential factors in recovery. The size of the hematoma as well as how fast it was treated may also influence the prognosis.
Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
