P12: Birth injury to scalp
Birth injury to the scalp refers to damage or harm occurring to a newborn's scalp during labor and childbirth. These injuries can result from a variety of reasons, including prolonged labor, precipitous labor (an excessively rapid labor), instrumental deliveries using forceps or vacuum, or larger babies passing through a small birth canal. The standard presentation of such injuries could comprise redness, bruises, bumps, or swelling on the newborn's head. In some rare cases, more severe complications like fractures to the skull may occur. The progression of the condition largely depends on the severity of the injury. Most minor injuries will heal naturally over time. However, more significant injuries may require medical intervention and longer recovery periods. It is important to note that infants naturally have flexible, resilient skulls, which can absorb impact and recover quickly.
Subcodes of P12:
- P12.0: Cephalhaematoma due to birth injury
- P12.1: Chignon due to birth injury
- P12.2: Epicranial subaponeurotic haemorrhage due to birth injury
- P12.3: Bruising of scalp due to birth injury
- P12.4: Monitoring injury of scalp of newborn
- P12.8: Other birth injuries to scalp
- P12.9: Birth injury to scalp, unspecified
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For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.