Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a
type of brain injury that affects infants.
The condition includes death of small
areas of brain tissue around fluid-filled
areas called ventricles.
PVL is caused by changes in the blood flow
in the area around the ventricles of the
brain. This area is fragile and prone to
injury, especially before 32 weeks of
gestation. Premature babies have high risk
for getting PVL.
PVL can be manifested with motor disorders
(paralyses and difficult movements such as
sitting, crawling, walking, and moving the
arms), delayed mental development,
coordination problems, and vision and
hearing impairments. Children with PVL
have higher levels of nystagmus,
strabismus, optic nerve hypoplasia and
refractive error. PVL may be accompanied
by a hemorrhage or bleeding in the
periventricular-intraventricular area (the
area around and inside the ventricles),
and can lead to cerebral palsy.
This condition can be diagnosed with
ultrasound scan and MRI imaging.
There is no treatment for PVL because
necrotized brain tissue can’t be
regenerated. Physiotherapy is used to
enable the remaining brain reserves that
are not damaged but need to be awakened.
Condition of the other systems (lungs,
heart, intestines, kidneys…) should be
regularly monitored.
DISCLAIMER:
"Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by family doctors who practice medicine for the general public. For more information about eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Neurological Disorders Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
