Subarachnoid haemorrhage due to birth injury

Definition

Haemorrhage within the subarachnoid space (the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia matter) due to either leakage from the leptomeningeal plexus or rupture of bridging veins within the subarachnoid space. The incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage is 1.3/10,000 live births after spontaneous vaginal delivery; 2.2/10,000 live births after vacuum extraction; 3.3/10,000 live births after forceps delivery and 10.7/10,000 after combined vacuum and forceps delivery. A common clinical presentation includes seizures, irritability, recurrent apnea and changing levels of consciousness.

Index Terms