You can know if your baby has a skull fracture by bringing them to a doctor for an evaluation. A doctor may run X-rays or other types of tests to confirm if a child has a skull fracture.
Some of the most visible symptoms of a skull fracture in an infant include an odd bump or a misshapen head. However, even if you cannot see physical evidence of the fracture on the newborn’s head, there could be signs of a potential skull fracture, including the presence of seizures, fatigue, and vomiting.
If you suspect that your child has a skull fracture, bring them to a doctor immediately. Emergency treatment may be needed, and it is possible that a skull fracture could cause a brain injury that leads to the development of cerebral palsy in the baby.
Symptoms of Skull Fractures in Newborns
There are a number of specific symptoms that could point to a skull fracture for the newborn. Certainly, if your baby has these symptoms, it does not guarantee a skull fracture, as it could be related to another issue, but if you notice these symptoms, a doctor should check for the possibility of a fracture.
These symptoms may include:
- Abnormal head shape
- Depression in the head
- Lump in the head
- Swelling in the head
- Fluid seeping from nose
- Extremely fatigued
- Bruising around the eyes
- Seizures
- Vomiting
If the skull fracture causes an injury to the brain of the baby, it is possible that the baby could develop cerebral palsy, a condition that may have lifelong symptoms.
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Types of Infant Skull Fractures
A baby could have any of four types of skull fractures. These may occur during a difficult birth if excessive force is applied to the baby’s head, if the baby is dropped, or in other types of accidents.
Linear Skull Fractures
A linear skull fracture means that a plate in the infant’s skull has a fracture, but this fracture does not move the bone in any way. Many linear fractures heal with minimal intervention.
Depressed Skull Fracture
In a depressed fracture in the newborn’s skull, the skull may have an indentation and be sinking into the head. This type of fracture usually is easy to see.
This can be a serious type of skull fracture in a baby, potentially causing a brain injury. Surgery may be required to treat a depressed skull fracture.
Basilar Skull Fracture
When the bones near the base of the skull suffer a fracture, it is called a basilar fracture. A basilar fracture can result in a brain injury and should be treated immediately.
Diastatic Skull Fracture
When the slightly flexible joints between the plates in the skull of the newborn suffer a fracture, this is a diastatic fracture.
How Medical Malpractice Can Cause a Skull Fracture
If your child was diagnosed with a skull fracture or a related brain injury, you may want to examine the prenatal and delivery care you received for medical malpractice. While sometimes these injuries are unpreventable, they can also occur due to doctor negligence. This may include situations where:
- A doctor fails to screen a mother for a difficult delivery when there was still time to arrange for a safer alternative, such as a C-section
- A doctor uses excessive force on the baby during delivery
- A doctor incorrectly uses forces or a vacuum extraction device on the baby
- Medical personnel drop the baby after delivery
If a doctor’s negligence caused your child’s injury, they may be liable for your family’s damages in a medical malpractice case. This may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
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The Birth Injury Lawyers Group Can Fight for You
If you know that your baby has a skull fracture or another type of birth injury, and you believe doctor negligence was the cause, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to help you. We represent families nationwide in medical malpractice lawsuits.
If you qualify, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group may be able to seek compensation on your behalf in an insurance claim or medical malpractice lawsuit. This can include all investigations, communications, and evidence gathering in your case.
Get help today by calling (800) 222-9529 for a free case review with a member of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group team. We offer representation on a contingency-fee-basis.
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