There are several types of infant brain bleeds. Intraventricular hemorrhage usually occurs in babies weighing less than about three pounds and five ounces, although it is not clear why. Other types of infant bleeding of the brain may occur because of traumatic injuries during birth or a mother’s uncontrolled blood pressure. This includes intracranial hemorrhages and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Babies may experience a traumatic head injury before, during, or after delivery as a result of traumatic injuries to their mother, being dropped, difficult labor, or possibly because of the misuse of forceps or a vacuum extraction tool.
Bleeding in the brain can cause swelling and pressure within the skull, as well as causing parts of the brain to receive insufficient blood flow. A severe brain bleed can cause a number of long-term effects. These include:
Depending on the severity of the brain bleed, the type of brain damage that occurs, and other factors, symptoms may include:
In many cases, doctors will observe the infant, but no further treatment is needed to stop the bleeding. Occasionally, surgery or other treatment may be necessary.
A brain hemorrhage is a serious–even life-threatening–medical condition. Your doctor and other members of your health care team can help avoid this dangerous condition by monitoring your pregnancy and your unborn baby’s growth and development. Careful prenatal care can help avoid a plethora of concerns, including the health of your baby’s head and brain. Having…
Your newborn might suffer from several different types of brain hemorrhages as the result of a serious birth injury. Although some symptoms may be similar, each type of brain hemorrhage will have their own symptoms. Some types of bleeding in the brain and their corresponding symptoms include: Subarachnoid HemorrhageWhen your child suffers from a subarachnoid…
