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Subgaleal HematomaAka: Subgaleal Hemorrhage

See also
Pathophysiology
1. Potential space between skull periosteum to scalp galea
  1. Extends posteriorly from orbital ridges to occiput
  2. Extends laterally to ears
2. Blood accumulates in this potential space
Risk factors
1. Repeated use of vacuum extractor
2. Coagulopathy
Symptoms
1. Insidious hematoma growth
  1. May extend to involve entire calvarium
  2. Develops over hours to days
Signs
1. Scalp pits like edema
2. Periorbital or auricular Ecchymosis
3. Hematoma crosses Suture lines
Management
1. Vigilant observation
2. Scalp pressure dressing
3. Transfusion
4. Phototherapy
Complications
1. Hemorrhagic shock
2. Infection

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.