Let us help you. Fieger Law is one of the most successful birth injury trial firms in the U.S. Below, we have outlined information that answers basic questions about infant cephalohematomas and how you can tell when you’re child is facing a long-term injury. However, if you’re ready to speak to one of our birth injury lawyers, contact us today.

What Is Infant Cephalohematoma?

A cephalohematoma is a pooling of blood between an infant’s skull and periosteum, or the lining over the bones. This condition is usually caused by traumatic labor and delivery. Sometimes, it can be attributed to the use of delivery assistance tools, which can fracture bones on the side of a newborn’s head. Frequently, blood vessels in the periosteum rupture, further complicating the cerebral hemorrhage.

What Can Cause Infant Cephalohematoma?

The use of forceps and/or vacuum during delivery can cause cephalohematoma. However, these surgical tools can help medical staff speed up delivery in the following cases:

  • Prolonged labor, high-risk pregnancies, or multiple infant pregnancies
  • Infants whose heads are larger than the birth canal
  • Infants in unnatural or distressed birth positions

Cephalohematoma usually resolves naturally with no damage to brain cells or lasting negative effects. However, it can prompt a more serious brain injury. It is crucial that you contact a lawyer who specializes in birth injuries if you suspect a more severe injury is possible.

How Do I Know If My Baby’s Cephalohematoma Indicates a Serious Brain Injury?

  • Are there symptoms of anemia?
  • Are there symptoms of infection?
  • Has your baby been diagnosed with jaundice?
  • Are there any unnatural bulges on your baby’s head?
  • Is there bruising on your baby’s head?
  • Is your child showing signs of developmental delays?
  • Is your child showing signs of motor skill deficiencies?
  • Is the cephalohematoma lasting longer than three months or longer than expected?

If any of these conditions have occurred, your child may have suffered a more serious brain injury that can cause cerebral palsy and other developmental problems. Fieger Law can help you get the answers you need. We don’t just settle cases as quickly as possible, which is what you can expect from many other law firms. We are always prepared to go to trial, and we have a reputation for winning.

Signs and Symptoms of Infant Cephalohematoma

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of infant cephalohematoma is important for parents as some point toward long-term injury and need addressing immediately. While minor cases often resolve on their own, more severe cases may present additional symptoms indicating serious complications.

Below are some common indicators:

  • Unnatural bulges on the baby’s head: These may feel soft or slightly firm and are typically manifest in one area of the skull.
  • Bruising or discoloration: The affected area may show visible bruising or redness.
  • Symptoms of anemia: If blood loss is significant, your baby may appear pale or lethargic.
  • Jaundice: Cephalohematomas often increase the risk of jaundice as the body processes the pooled blood. This may cause the infant’s skin and eyes to have a yellowish appearance.

Long-Term Complications of Infant Cephalohematoma

Although many cephalohematomas resolve without long-lasting effects, some can lead to long-term medical issues, including:

  • Developmental delays: May result in difficulty reaching milestones like crawling, walking, or speaking.
  • Cerebral palsy: Untreated or improperly managed cephalohematomas can lead to this lifelong condition.
  • Motor skill deficiencies: Fine and gross motor skills may be affected, making even the most basic everyday tasks challenging for the child.

Again, early diagnosis and intervention are key to minimizing the above risks.

Understanding Negligence in Birth Injury Cases

Medical negligence is often the cause of infant cephalohematoma. Here’s how it can happen:

  • Improper use of delivery tools: Forceps and vacuum extractors can fracture the infant’s skull or damage blood vessels if used improperly.
  • Failure to monitor fetal distress: Medical staff must closely observe signs of distress and act quickly to avoid harm to the mother and baby.
  • Inadequate training or experience: Physicians or delivery staff who lack sufficient experience can increase the risk of injury during labor.

Proving negligence requires thorough medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence. Fieger Law’s team of experienced birth injury lawyers knows how to build compelling cases to hold negligent medical providers accountable.

Securing the Nation’s Largest Verdicts for Birth Injury Victims Since 1983

For over 70 years, the infant cephalohematoma experts and nationally recognized medical malpractice lawyers at Fieger Law have fought for victims’ rights. If you or your family member suffers from a medical mistake, Fieger Law can help. Contact our legal team of birth injury lawyers to discuss your situation today.