Pathophysiology of intracranial epidural haematoma following birth

SummaryEpidural haematoma in newborn infants is rare, and few specific obstetrical data related to its formation are available in the literature. The aim of this study is to discuss the pathophysiology of this condition. EDH is always a post traumatic lesion and it is only possible if the insult has produced a cleavage of the dura mater from bone. Therefore, EDH results from the mechanical forces exerted on the foetal head during birth, with or with no instrumental interference. Although it is still unclear whether the injury (and dura mater cleavage) was directly caused by the forceps or had already been inflicted by natural forces, or a combination of both however, in some patients (with neither dystocia nor skull fracture), there is no basis for explaining EDH formation, apart from propulsion of the fore coming head through the birth canal. Excessive moulding, whether or not associated with iatrogenic trauma, has been incriminated in most cases of EDH. As dystocia cannot always be anticipated, EDH will remain an ever-present cause of morbidity in the neonatal population, albeit a rare occurrence.