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A cephalhematoma (American English) or cephalhaematoma (British English) is a hemorrhage of blood between the skull and the periosteum of a newborn baby. Because the swelling is subperiosteal its boundaries are limited by the individual bones, in contrast to a chignon.
Causes
The usual causes of a cephalhematoma are a prolonged second stage of labor or instrumental delivery, particularly ventouse.
Symptoms
If severe the child may develop jaundice, anemia or hypotension. In some cases it may be an indication of a linear skull fracture or be at risk of an infection leading to osteomyelitis or meningitis.
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