Subgaleal hemorrhage in newborns is a serious type of bleeding that is considered a medical emergency because of how much blood can be lost.
A subgaleal hemorrhage involves bleeding in the space between the scalp and skull. That space can hold a large amount of blood, which makes the condition life-threatening if it isn’t treated quickly.
Subgaleal hemorrhage is linked to difficult vaginal births and is most often linked to the use of tools like vacuum extractors or forceps. When healthcare providers fail to provide the accepted standard of care when using those tools, it may be considered medical malpractice.
Symptoms of subgaleal hemorrhage
Depending on the severity of the case, parents may notice different symptoms that indicate the seriousness of the condition. Depending on how bad the bleed is, newborns can lose between 20-to-40% of their total blood volume into the scalp space.
Serious or Life-Threatening Symptoms
- Signs of shock (weak pulse, low blood pressure, poor circulation).
- Breathing problems.
- Seizures.
- Severe anemia (low red blood cells).
- Organ failure.
Common Signs and Symptoms
- Swelling on the scalp that feels soft or “boggy” and spreads across the head.
- Bruising or discoloration of the scalp or around the eyes.
- Increasing head size due to internal bleeding.
- Pale skin (pallor).
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia).
- Low blood pressure.
- Lethargy or decreased responsiveness.
- Poor feeding.
Injuries caused by subgaleal hemorrhage
When treated quickly, most newborns recover without major complications. However, when subgaleal hemorrhage isn’t noticed quickly and goes untreated for too long, the injuries caused can be life-altering and even fatal.
If the body loses a large amount of blood, it can trigger hemorrhagic shock, which can cause organ damage or coma. If the brain suffers oxygen deprivation, it can cause a range of severe brain injuries. Those injuries can affect motor skills, cause brain damage, seizures, epilepsy, and learning difficulties.
Similarly, subgaleal hemorrhage can cause cerebral palsy, which is linked to seizures, feeding issues, and trouble swallowing. Cerebral palsy may also cause learning, speech, vision, or hearing challenges as the baby grows. They may struggle with their motor skills and have trouble learning.
These injuries can impact the child for their entire life and require a lifetime of therapy, treatment, and care.
How can medical malpractice cause subgaleal hemorrhage?
While not every case of subgaleal hemorrhage is preventable, medical negligence does play a role in many cases. When staff make a mistake or aren’t ready to treat a serious symptom quickly, it may be considered medical malpractice.
Examples of mistakes made that can cause subgaleal hemorrhage are:
- Improper use of a vacuum extractor or forceps.
- Applying too much force during delivery.
- Incorrect placement of delivery instruments.
- Failure to recognize when a C-section was safer.
- Delayed response to fetal distress.
- Failure to monitor the baby after a high-risk delivery.
- Ignoring early signs of scalp swelling or blood loss.
- Delayed diagnosis or treatment after symptoms appear.
- Failure to check vital signs and head size regularly after assisted delivery.
If any of these errors caused serious injury to your child,d you may be entitled to compensation. Weisser Law is here to review your case, consult with experts, and determine what went wrong and who is responsible. We’ve secured tens of millions of dollars for clients who are victims of medical malpractice.
Let us do the same for you!
Subgaleal Hemorrhage FAQs
How serious is a subgaleal hemorrhage?
Because of how much blood a newborn can lose into the scalp, a subgaleal hemorrhage is considered a medical emergency. While some birth-related swelling is expected and not dangerous, a subgaleal hemorrhage can cause shock, organ failure, or even death if not treated quickly.
In the most severe cases, a baby can lose up to 40% of their blood volume. Luckily for most victims and their parents, with early recognition, careful monitoring, and prompt treatment, many babies recover without long-term complications.
How is subgaleal hemorrhage different from other scalp injuries?
Subgaleal hemorrhage is much more serious than common newborn scalp conditions, as the key difference is that subgaleal bleeding spreads across the entire scalp. When that happens, it can cross suture lines, allowing large amounts of blood to collect.
Other conditions are usually limited in size and resolve on their own; however, subgaleal hemorrhage can worsen quickly and requires immediate medical attention and monitoring.
How is subgaleal hemorrhage treated?
Treatment usually happens in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Doctors focus on stabilizing the baby by replacing lost blood with transfusions and closely monitoring vital signs.
In severe cases, additional treatments may be needed to control bleeding or manage complications like shock. Ongoing monitoring is critical to make sure the condition does not worsen.
Can a baby fully recover from this condition?
Yes. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, many babies recover fully. However, in severe cases, subgaleal hemorrhage may cause major long-term complications such as developmental delays or neurological issues.
The outcome largely depends on how quickly the hemorrhage is recognized and how much blood loss has occurred before treatment.
Can this injury be prevented?
Not all cases are preventable, but risk can be reduced with proper medical care. Careful decision-making during labor—such as avoiding unnecessary use of vacuum devices—and proper monitoring after delivery can make a big difference.
Healthcare providers are expected to provide the accepted standard of care to minimize risk and respond quickly if complications arise.
When should parents be concerned?
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their baby has unusual scalp swelling, appears pale, is not feeding well, or seems overly sleepy or unresponsive.
These symptoms can signal serious blood loss and require urgent care. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it is better to have your baby evaluated right away.
Why should parents contact Weisser Law if malpractice is suspected?
If your child suffered a subgaleal hemorrhage and you believe medical mistakes may have caused it, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. These cases often involve complex medical records, expert testimony, and strict legal deadlines.
Weisser Law understands how devastating birth injuries can be for families. The physical, mental, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Weisser Law works tirelessly to uncover what went wrong, hold negligent providers accountable, and pursue compensation for medical care, long-term support, and your child’s future needs.
Consultations are free, and there are no upfront costs, meaning you don’t pay until we win.