Subgaleal hemorrhage: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Subgaleal hemorrhage
| image          = [[File:Scalp_hematomas.jpg|left|thumb|Subgaleal hemorrhage]]
| caption        = Subgaleal hemorrhage in a newborn
| synonyms        = Subgaleal hematoma
| field          = [[Pediatrics]], [[Neonatology]]
| symptoms        = Scalp swelling, pallor, hypotension
| complications  = [[Anemia]], [[Hypovolemic shock]], [[Hyperbilirubinemia]]
| onset          = At birth or shortly after
| duration        = Days to weeks
| causes          = Birth trauma, [[Vacuum extraction]]
| risks          = [[Instrumental delivery]], [[Coagulation disorders]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical examination, [[Ultrasound]], [[CT scan]]
| differential    = [[Cephalohematoma]], [[Caput succedaneum]]
| prevention      = Careful use of vacuum extraction
| treatment      = Supportive care, [[Blood transfusion]] if necessary
| prognosis      = Generally good with prompt treatment
| frequency      = Rare
}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Subgaleal Hemorrhage}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Subgaleal Hemorrhage}}
== Subgaleal Hemorrhage ==
[[File:Scalp_hematomas.jpg|thumb|right|Subgaleal hemorrhage in a newborn.]]
A '''subgaleal hemorrhage''' is a type of [[extracranial hemorrhage]] that occurs in the potential space between the [[galea aponeurotica]] and the [[periosteum]] of the skull. This condition is most commonly seen in [[neonates]] and is often associated with [[birth trauma]].
A '''subgaleal hemorrhage''' is a type of [[extracranial hemorrhage]] that occurs in the potential space between the [[galea aponeurotica]] and the [[periosteum]] of the skull. This condition is most commonly seen in [[neonates]] and is often associated with [[birth trauma]].
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
The subgaleal space is a large potential space that can accommodate a significant volume of blood. In the context of a subgaleal hemorrhage, blood accumulates in this space, leading to a fluctuant swelling of the scalp. The hemorrhage is usually due to rupture of the emissary veins, which are vulnerable to shearing forces during delivery, especially in cases involving [[vacuum extraction]] or [[forceps delivery]].
The subgaleal space is a large potential space that can accommodate a significant volume of blood. In the context of a subgaleal hemorrhage, blood accumulates in this space, leading to a fluctuant swelling of the scalp. The hemorrhage is usually due to rupture of the emissary veins, which are vulnerable to shearing forces during delivery, especially in cases involving [[vacuum extraction]] or [[forceps delivery]].
== Clinical Presentation ==
== Clinical Presentation ==
Subgaleal hemorrhage presents as a diffuse, boggy swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines. Unlike [[cephalohematoma]], which is confined to one cranial bone, subgaleal hemorrhage can extend over the entire scalp. The swelling may increase in size over the first few hours to days after birth.
Subgaleal hemorrhage presents as a diffuse, boggy swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines. Unlike [[cephalohematoma]], which is confined to one cranial bone, subgaleal hemorrhage can extend over the entire scalp. The swelling may increase in size over the first few hours to days after birth.
Affected infants may exhibit signs of [[hypovolemic shock]] due to significant blood loss, including [[pallor]], [[tachycardia]], and [[hypotension]].
Affected infants may exhibit signs of [[hypovolemic shock]] due to significant blood loss, including [[pallor]], [[tachycardia]], and [[hypotension]].
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of subgaleal hemorrhage is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic presentation of scalp swelling. [[Ultrasound]] or [[MRI]] may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the hemorrhage.
Diagnosis of subgaleal hemorrhage is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic presentation of scalp swelling. [[Ultrasound]] or [[MRI]] may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the hemorrhage.
== Management ==
== Management ==
Management of subgaleal hemorrhage involves supportive care and monitoring for signs of [[hypovolemia]]. [[Intravenous fluids]] and [[blood transfusions]] may be necessary to stabilize the infant. Close monitoring of [[hematocrit]] levels and vital signs is essential.
Management of subgaleal hemorrhage involves supportive care and monitoring for signs of [[hypovolemia]]. [[Intravenous fluids]] and [[blood transfusions]] may be necessary to stabilize the infant. Close monitoring of [[hematocrit]] levels and vital signs is essential.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis of subgaleal hemorrhage depends on the severity of the hemorrhage and the timeliness of intervention. With prompt recognition and management, most infants recover without long-term complications. However, severe cases can lead to significant morbidity or mortality due to [[hypovolemic shock]].
The prognosis of subgaleal hemorrhage depends on the severity of the hemorrhage and the timeliness of intervention. With prompt recognition and management, most infants recover without long-term complications. However, severe cases can lead to significant morbidity or mortality due to [[hypovolemic shock]].
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Preventive measures focus on minimizing birth trauma. Careful use of [[obstetric instruments]] and adherence to guidelines for [[assisted delivery]] can reduce the risk of subgaleal hemorrhage.
Preventive measures focus on minimizing birth trauma. Careful use of [[obstetric instruments]] and adherence to guidelines for [[assisted delivery]] can reduce the risk of subgaleal hemorrhage.
 
== See also ==
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Cephalohematoma]]
* [[Cephalohematoma]]
* [[Caput succedaneum]]
* [[Caput succedaneum]]
* [[Neonatal jaundice]]
* [[Neonatal jaundice]]
* [[Birth trauma]]
* [[Birth trauma]]
[[Category:Neonatology]]
[[Category:Neonatology]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]

Latest revision as of 18:12, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Subgaleal hemorrhage
Subgaleal hemorrhage
Synonyms Subgaleal hematoma
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Scalp swelling, pallor, hypotension
Complications Anemia, Hypovolemic shock, Hyperbilirubinemia
Onset At birth or shortly after
Duration Days to weeks
Types N/A
Causes Birth trauma, Vacuum extraction
Risks Instrumental delivery, Coagulation disorders
Diagnosis Clinical examination, Ultrasound, CT scan
Differential diagnosis Cephalohematoma, Caput succedaneum
Prevention Careful use of vacuum extraction
Treatment Supportive care, Blood transfusion if necessary
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with prompt treatment
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


A subgaleal hemorrhage is a type of extracranial hemorrhage that occurs in the potential space between the galea aponeurotica and the periosteum of the skull. This condition is most commonly seen in neonates and is often associated with birth trauma.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The subgaleal space is a large potential space that can accommodate a significant volume of blood. In the context of a subgaleal hemorrhage, blood accumulates in this space, leading to a fluctuant swelling of the scalp. The hemorrhage is usually due to rupture of the emissary veins, which are vulnerable to shearing forces during delivery, especially in cases involving vacuum extraction or forceps delivery.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Subgaleal hemorrhage presents as a diffuse, boggy swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines. Unlike cephalohematoma, which is confined to one cranial bone, subgaleal hemorrhage can extend over the entire scalp. The swelling may increase in size over the first few hours to days after birth. Affected infants may exhibit signs of hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss, including pallor, tachycardia, and hypotension.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of subgaleal hemorrhage is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic presentation of scalp swelling. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the hemorrhage.

Management[edit]

Management of subgaleal hemorrhage involves supportive care and monitoring for signs of hypovolemia. Intravenous fluids and blood transfusions may be necessary to stabilize the infant. Close monitoring of hematocrit levels and vital signs is essential.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis of subgaleal hemorrhage depends on the severity of the hemorrhage and the timeliness of intervention. With prompt recognition and management, most infants recover without long-term complications. However, severe cases can lead to significant morbidity or mortality due to hypovolemic shock.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures focus on minimizing birth trauma. Careful use of obstetric instruments and adherence to guidelines for assisted delivery can reduce the risk of subgaleal hemorrhage.

See also[edit]