From the Guidelines
A hematoma on a 7-month-old's head is a collection of blood outside blood vessels, typically appearing as a swelling or bruise, and its management should prioritize reducing swelling and monitoring for signs of serious injury. According to the American Heart Association, supportive care is crucial in managing such conditions, although the provided study 1 focuses on stroke management in infants and children, it emphasizes the importance of monitoring and supportive care. Key considerations for a hematoma on a 7-month-old's head include:
- Applying a cold compress for 20 minutes several times daily during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling
- Giving acetaminophen (Tylenol) at age-appropriate doses if the child seems uncomfortable
- Monitoring for signs of serious injury, such as a large or rapidly growing hematoma, unusual drowsiness, vomiting, seizures, or unusual irritability or lethargy
- Seeking immediate medical attention if any of these signs are present, as they could indicate a more serious condition The young age of the child warrants extra caution, as infants' developing brains are more vulnerable to injury and they cannot clearly communicate their symptoms, thus, prompt medical evaluation is essential to determine the best course of action and ensure the child's safety.
From the Research
Definition of Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can occur in various parts of the body, including the head. In the context of a 7-month-old child, a hematoma on the head can be caused by trauma or other factors.
Causes and Characteristics
- Hematomas can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or blow to the head 2
- They can also be caused by spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hematomas can expand in the first hours after symptom onset, leading to increased intracranial pressure and neurologic deterioration 3, 4, 5
- The clinical effect of a hematoma is quantitatively related to its volume, but modified by the size of the extraaxial space and the arterial blood pressure 2
Symptoms and Complications
- Symptoms of a hematoma on the head can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and alterations in consciousness 4
- Complications of intracerebral hemorrhage include haematoma expansion, perihaematomal oedema with increased intracranial pressure, intraventricular extension of haemorrhage with hydrocephalus, seizures, venous thrombotic events, hyperglycaemia, increased blood pressure, fever, and infections 5
- Management of ICH is largely supportive, with strategies aimed at limiting further brain injury and preventing associated complications 5, 6