Caput succedaneum
Caput Succedaneum
Caput succedaneum (pronounced: KAH-put suhk-suh-DAY-nee-uhm) is a medical condition typically seen in newborns, characterized by a significant swelling of the scalp that appears as a lump or bump on the baby's head shortly after delivery.
Etymology
The term "caput succedaneum" originates from Latin, where "caput" means head and "succedaneum" refers to a substitute or replacement. This term is used because the swelling often occurs at the part of the head that leads the way through the birth canal, effectively acting as a "substitute" for the rest of the body during birth.
Causes
Caput succedaneum is primarily caused by pressure on the baby's head during a vaginal birth. This pressure can be from the mother's pelvic bones, vaginal tissues, or the pressure exerted by the healthcare provider during delivery. The use of birth-assisting tools such as forceps or vacuum devices can also contribute to the development of caput succedaneum.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of caput succedaneum is a soft, puffy swelling on the newborn's scalp, usually appearing within the first 24 hours after birth. This swelling may extend across the midline of the skull or down the sides of the head. Other symptoms may include color changes in the affected area, such as bruising or jaundice.
Treatment
In most cases, caput succedaneum does not require specific treatment. The swelling typically resolves on its own within a few days after birth as the body reabsorbs the fluid. However, if the swelling is severe or accompanied by other complications, medical intervention may be necessary.
Related Terms
- Cephalohematoma: Another type of birth injury that causes swelling on a newborn's head, but differs from caput succedaneum in that the swelling is caused by bleeding beneath the skull's periosteum.
- Subgaleal hemorrhage: A rare but serious condition where bleeding occurs in the space between the skull periosteum and the scalp's galea aponeurosis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Caput succedaneum
- Wikipedia's article - Caput succedaneum
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski