P10.0: Subdural haemorrhage due to birth injury

There was a bleed in the child’s brain during the birth.

The brain is made up of several areas. For example, the cerebrum is used to think and plan actions. In the cerebellum, movements are initialized and coordinated. The brain stem is responsible for various unconscious tasks such as breathing. The brain stem passes into the spinal cord. On the outside of the brain and spinal cord there are three thin meninges (linings). A tough meninx, the dura mater, is on the outside. Below that are two soft meninges.

If there are difficulties during the birth a forceps or suction cup may sometimes need to be used. This can cause bleeding in the child's brain. Bleeding can also occur if the child is born from an unusual position in the womb. However, bleeding in the brain can also occur with a Caesarean or a normal birth.

If a blood vessel gets damaged, blood will come out. The blood has accumulated beneath the dura mater. There can be a variety of indications of bleeding in the child. For example, there may be breathing problems or lethargy. Certain bodily functions may be affected. Movements may be affected, for example. The bleeding may also cause the child to have seizures.