P52.6: Cerebellar (nontraumatic) and posterior fossa haemorrhage of fetus and newborn

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. There are different reasons why bleeding might occur in the cerebellum area.

Bleeding in the cerebellum area particularly occurs in premature babies. A birth is premature if the child is born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. Indications of bleeding in the cerebellum area can be breathing problems or a slow heartbeat, for example. Changed movements or stiffness can also indicate a bleed in the cerebellum area. The child may also be restless or scream. It may vomit. And you may be able to feel a bulging fontanelle on the child's head. Fontanelles are soft spots between the skull bones that, over time, turn into bone.