Diagnosis & Imaging
Cephalohematoma
A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp's covering that can occur after birth and is not an encephalocele.
In short: Cephalohematoma
- It is a birth-related scalp swelling, not an encephalocele.
- It typically resolves on its own.
- It is distinguished from an encephalocele by examination and, if needed, imaging.
- It is contained within the boundaries of a skull bone.
What it is
It is a collection of blood between a skull bone and its covering membrane, usually resulting from the birth process. It appears as a scalp swelling but is not an encephalocele.
Understanding Cephalohematoma
It is a birth-related swelling that typically resolves on its own over weeks. It is distinguished from an encephalocele by examination — a cephalohematoma is contained within the boundaries of a single skull bone and is not a protrusion of brain or membranes — and, if there is any uncertainty, by imaging. Recognizing it helps avoid confusion with an encephalocele.
Why it matters
Understanding cephalohematoma helps families see that not every scalp swelling in a newborn is an encephalocele; some are benign, birth-related, and self-resolving, distinguished by examination and, if needed, imaging.
Common questions
Is a cephalohematoma an encephalocele?
No — it is a birth-related collection of blood under the scalp.
Does it resolve?
Typically yes, on its own over weeks.
How is it distinguished?
By examination and, if needed, imaging.
Bottom line
A cephalohematoma is a birth-related scalp blood collection, not an encephalocele, and usually resolves on its own.
Browse all 265 Encephalocele definitions
Read the Encephalocele patient guides
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