$skull fracture$

Linear fractures are likely to heal independently, as are diastatic, although these must be monitored carefully.Ī depressed fracture may also simply be monitored, but it may also need to be treated surgically. In most instances, the only treatment is to simply observe and to continue to test the child and image the head. Treatment for an infant skull fracture depends on the type of fracture, the severity, and any complications it is causing. The images can help a doctor see breaks in the bone, bleeding, pressure on the brain, or swelling of the brain.Ī doctor may also perform simpler examinations before ordering an image, such as a comprehensive neurological exam. These may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. DiagnosisĪ doctor may order imaging scans to assess whether a newborn has suffered a brain fracture. For instance, a depressed fracture may cause a misshapen appearance to the baby’s head, or it may appear as a lump.Ī fracture may also cause damage associated with seizures, listlessness, bleeding, or bruising. More severe fractures, on the other hand, may cause symptoms.

$skull fracture$

In most cases, these are just small, linear fractures, which heal with time and cause no lasting damage. Minor fractures often go undetected in a newborn. Because these occur along the sutures, which are supposed to expand as the brain grows, this type of fracture can cause damage as the baby gets older and the fracture expands with the size of the brain. This is fairly common among newborns as compared to children and adults with skull fractures. Diastatic Skull FracturesĪnother type of fracture is diastatic, which means it occurs along a suture. Those caused by instruments are more likely to cause damage to the brain. Studies have found that these can be caused by instruments pressing on the head during delivery but that they sometimes also develop spontaneously.

$skull fracture$

This is more serious than a linear fracture because it is more likely to cause bleeding and to put pressure on the brain. A depressed fracture occurs when the skull sinks inwards. Depressed Skull FracturesĪ depressed skull fracture has the potential to be much more serious. These are not usually too serious, but there may be underlying bleeding. One plate will not move past the other or lift up or down. A linear fracture is a simple break that does not cause the bone to move. There are several types of skull fractures possible in an infant after childbirth. Most infants emerge undamaged, but this pressure can, in some cases, lead to fractures. As it comes out of the womb, it is squeezed through past the pelvis, which can press on the head to a large degree, and then it has to pass through the birth canal. Spontaneous skull fractures may occur simply because the baby’s head is under tremendous pressure. It has not been reported very often in the medical literature, and when it explains why the fracture occurred is not usually well understood. Skull fractures have been known to occur spontaneously during delivery-that is, without the use of instruments-but this is rare. The instruments can easily cause the skull to fracture if the doctor uses too much force.Ī doctor can be liable if this causes a skull fracture with complications because of excessive force with instruments or because they should have ordered a Cesarean section after recognizing the delivery would be difficult. The doctor may use these instruments if delivery is difficult and the baby and mother need extra assistance. Instruments used by the person delivering the baby may include forceps and vacuum extractors.

$skull fracture$

This could include an unusually large baby or breech birth. Instruments are more likely to be used during difficult labor, so skull fractures are more common when labor is difficult, goes on for a long time, or includes complications. Most causes of fractures in newborns involve the use of instruments during delivery. If a fracture does occur, it can cause more damage and injury.

$skull fracture$

On the other hand, a newborn’s softer, more flexible skull leaves the brain more exposed and vulnerable. The newborn skull is flexible, allowing it to come through the birth canal more easily than if it were hardened and fused bone. The sutures also allow the skull to grow and expand as the brain develops. Get Matched with a Leading Birth Injury Cerebral Palsy Attorney in Your Area Get Help Now

$skull fracture$