From the Research
The typical management approach for cephalohematoma is conservative observation, as most cases resolve spontaneously without intervention within a few weeks to months. Parents should be reassured about the benign nature of this condition, which is a collection of blood between the skull bone and its periosteum, commonly occurring after birth trauma. No specific medications or treatments are typically required. The infant should be monitored for signs of complications such as infection (redness, warmth, increased swelling), jaundice (due to breakdown of blood cells), or significant calcification.
Key Considerations
- Physicians should avoid aspiration or drainage of the hematoma as this increases infection risk without providing benefit, as noted in various studies 1, 2.
- In rare cases where calcification persists beyond 3-6 months and causes cosmetic concerns, surgical intervention might be considered, but this is uncommon 3.
- The rationale for conservative management is that the blood will gradually be reabsorbed by the body's natural processes, and intervention often poses more risks than benefits.
- However, a recent study 4 suggests that early surgical intervention for cephalohematoma may be warranted, and puncture and aspiration of neonatal cephalohematoma can be a safe and effective procedure to prevent ossification.
Management Approach
- Regular well-child visits are sufficient for monitoring the resolution of uncomplicated cephalohematomas.
- In cases where surgical intervention is necessary, techniques such as craniectomy and cranioplasty can be used, as described in 1 and 3.
- The choice of surgical technique depends on the type and extent of calcification, as well as the individual patient's needs 1, 3.
- A study from 2025 4 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence, supporting a more aggressive therapeutic approach and early surgical intervention for cephalohematoma.