Definition

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding into the spaces of a baby’s brain. It may cause harm to brain tissue and lead to long-term development problems.

Ventricles of the Brain Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

IVH is caused by the rupture of immature or fragile blood vessels in the brain. It is not known why this happens, but changes in blood pressure may play a role.

Risk Factors

IVH is most common in premature babies and those with a low birth weight.

Symptoms

IVH often happens in the first 48 hours after birth. Most babies do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:

• Seizures
• Low muscle tone
• Muscle spasms
• Problems breathing, such as pauses in breathing
• Pedaling leg motions
• Changes is eye movement or alignment
• Pale or blue skin color

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is often made during a routine ultrasound in premature or low birth weight infants. Blood tests may be done to support the diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to stop bleeding and lower the chances of problems that may happen from it.

Certain procedures or surgery may need to be done to ease pressure in the brain:

• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt—a tube that runs under the skin and lets fluid drain from the ventricle (brain) to the abdomen
• Lumbar puncture, fontanelle tap, or surgery—to drain fluid from the baby's brain

Prevention

Women at risk of having a premature baby may be given medicine to lower the risk of IVH in the baby.