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Subgaleal Haematoma

At Coleman Legal LLP, we understand the severity of subgaleal haematoma cases resulting from difficult deliveries. Our experienced team provides compassionate support and legal guidance to families seeking justice and compensation for birth injuries.

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    Subgaleal haematoma and subgaleal haemorrhages

    Coleman Legal LLP has been consulted by a number of families affected where subgaleal haematomas have occurred during birth.

    A subgaleal haematoma, also known as a subgaleal haemorrhage, is an accumulation of blood that forms between a newborn baby’s skull and the skin on the scalp. This can occur after a difficult delivery, particularly where a vacuum extractor is required. The condition can be life-threatening. Emergency and immediate treatment leads to the best possible outcome. Subgaleal haemorrhages may cause the draining of a significant amount of blood from the newborn baby, putting them at risk of severe injuries such as seizures, neonatal encephalopathy (brain damage) or, tragically, even, death.

    Causes of subgaleal haematoma

    Subgaleal Haematomas/hemorrhages are caused by trauma to the head during labour and delivery.  Most commonly, this trauma is caused by the compressing of a baby’s head through the mother’s pelvis during delivery. The injury is most often occurs when vacuum extractors or forceps are used during delivery. Vacuum extractors can cause head trauma when the clinician places the suction cup on the incorrect section of the baby’s head, or applies too much force or pressure. It can also occur when the cup is suctioned for an excessive period of time, or  too many attempts  are made at using the vacuum extractor.

    The majority (90%) of neonatal cases of subgaleal haematoma are the result of applying a vacuum to the head at delivery.

    Risk factors for subgaleal haematoma

    Some factors may make a neonate more susceptible to subgaleal haemorrhaging. These risks must be considered as clinicians make decisions regarding the birth of a child.

    Some of the strongest risk factors for subgaleal haematoma in newborns are:

    • Primiparity (first-time pregnancy)
    • Male sex
    • Prolonged second stage of labour
    • Premature birth
    • Cephalopelvic disproportion (where there is a mismatch between the size of a mother’s pelvis and the baby’s head)
    • Macrosomia (when the baby is a larger size than average)

    Diagnosis and treatment for subgaleal haematoma

    Newborns who underwent difficult vacuum extraction or forceps delivery should be treated with a minimum of 8 hours of observation regardless of the need for resuscitation. Their vital signs should also be assessed hourly. Head examinations should be done hourly if there is a concern about head swelling. These actions will assist with early diagnosis of ha emorrhage. Newborn babies diagnosed with subgaleal haematoma must be treated immediately in order to prevent any further damage.

    Long-term outcomes for children

    Where subgaleal haematoma and subgaleal haemorrhages are not detected and treated promptly, there can be long-term negative outcomes, including

    • Neonatal encephalopathy – A type of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain before or shortly after birth
    • Seizures
    • Brain damage
    • Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) – A brain injury that happens when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen during delivery
    • Periventricular leukomalacia – A type of brain injury that is most common in babies born prematurely or at a low birthweight. The white matter surrounding the brain’s ventricles is deprived of blood and oxygen.
    • Cerebral palsy
    • Developmental disabilities
    • Kernicterus – A type of brain damage that can result from high levels of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. It may lead to athetoid cerebral palsy and also hearing loss. Kernicterus may also cause problems with teeth and vision. It may also cause intellectual disabilities.

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    Coleman Legal LLP

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    84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
    D01 YX60
    DX 112002

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    Clodagh Magennis

    Clodagh Magennis

    Head of Client Services

    P: 1800-844-104
    E: [email protected]

    ”At Coleman Legal, excellence in customer care is paramount. We aim to meet both prospective and existing client’s needs in a professional, engaging, and friendly manner with a clear objective to give quality legal advice and reach a positive outcome.”

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