Diagnosis & Imaging
Caput succedaneum
Caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp from the birth process that is not an encephalocele and resolves quickly.
In short: Caput succedaneum
- It is a common, benign birth-related scalp swelling.
- It typically resolves within days.
- It is not an encephalocele.
- It crosses suture lines, unlike a cephalohematoma.
What it is
It is swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp caused by pressure during birth. It is a common, benign finding in newborns, not an encephalocele.
Understanding Caput succedaneum
It typically resolves within a few days as the swelling settles. Unlike a cephalohematoma, it crosses suture lines (because it involves the scalp tissue above the bone), and unlike an encephalocele, it is not a protrusion of brain or membranes. Recognizing it as a normal, temporary birth-related finding helps avoid confusion with more significant conditions.
Why it matters
Understanding caput succedaneum helps families see that some newborn scalp swellings are normal, temporary, and birth-related, distinct from an encephalocele.
Common questions
Is caput succedaneum an encephalocele?
No — it is a benign birth-related scalp swelling.
How long does it last?
Typically a few days.
How does it differ from a cephalohematoma?
It crosses suture lines and resolves faster.
Bottom line
Caput succedaneum is a temporary, benign birth-related scalp swelling, not an encephalocele, resolving within days.
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