Paediatrics: Cephalohaematoma: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Cephalohaematoma🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common neonatal scalp swelling – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Cephalohaematoma is a subperiosteal haemorrhage in a newborn, where blood collects between the skull bone and periosteum, usually after birth trauma. It is always confined to one cranial bone and does not cross suture lines.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Birth trauma: Prolonged or difficult labour• Instrumental delivery: Forceps or vacuum extraction• Large birth weight• Primiparity (first-time mother)• Male gender• Mnemonic: PIL(M)AN – Primiparity, Instrumental, Large, (Male), Anaemia, Neonate📌 Pathophysiology• Trauma during delivery ruptures blood vessels between skull and periosteum• Blood accumulates slowly in the potential space• Swelling becomes apparent over hours to days• Always limited by suture lines📌 Symptoms• Soft, fluctuant swelling on scalp, usually parietal• Does not cross suture lines (key diagnostic clue)• Painless, no neurological deficit• May increase over first 24–48 hours, resolves over weeks to months📌 Differential Diagnosis• Caput succedaneum: Crosses suture lines, boggy oedema of scalp• Subgaleal haemorrhage: Deep, spreads widely, can be life-threatening• Subdural haematoma: Serious, associated with neurological signs📌 Diagnosis• Clinical assessment: Localised, soft swelling that respects suture lines• Imaging (rare): Only if skull fracture or other injury suspected (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray)📌 Management• Conservative: Observation and monitoring• Most resolve spontaneously over weeks/months• Monitor for infection, anaemia, and jaundice• No aspiration or surgical drainage (unless complicated)• Treat complications as needed📌 Complications• Infection: Osteomyelitis, abscess• Anaemia: Due to blood loss• Hyperbilirubinaemia: Jaundice from RBC breakdown• Calcification (rare, leaves a firm spot)📌 Prognosis• Excellent: Most resolve without long-term issues• Rare complications if monitored and managed promptly📎 More MSRA Resources for Cephalohaematoma📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/cephalohaematoma-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/cephalohaematoma-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/cephalohaematoma-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/cephalohaematoma-rapid-quiz/🎯 Practice Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/cephalohaematoma/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Cephalohaematoma