A form of brain damage known as Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) (1)

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Periventricular Leukomalacia(PVL)
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Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)

• Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a form of
  brain damage that affects the white matter of
  brain, resulting in the cells in the white matter
  of brain either decaying or dying. In turn, an
  area of the brain is left empty, resulting in
  fluid build-up. Its estimated that around
  60-100 of all children who have PVL will also
  develop cerebral palsy. In most cases, spastic
  diplegia is the most typical type of CP that
  develops due to PVL. Although uncommon,
  quadriplegia CP may also develop.

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Causes of Periventricular leukomalacia(PVL)

• Cell damage to the brains periventricular
  tissue as well as a decrease in blood flow are
  the two primary reasons that PVL occurs. In
  addition, babies born prematurely, especially
  before 32 weeks gestation, have a heightened risk
  of PVL. Unfortunately, premature infants are also
  at the highest risk of death should they develop
  PVL. A host of other conditions can cause
  Periventricular leukomalacia including 
• Having twins
• Umbilical cord inflammation
• Antepartum haemorrhage
• Problems with the placental blood vessel
• Chorioamnionitis
• Sepsis and other illnesses in which bacteria
  enters the bloodstream
• Lack of oxygen to the periventricular area of the
  infants brain

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Symptoms

• Unfortunately, Periventricular leukomalacia is
  extremely difficult to detect, especially in
  newborns and infants less than 6 months of age.
  Since PVL mimics so many other medical conditions
  and most infants show no outward signs of
  impairment, it may take months or even years
  before a formal diagnosis is made. However, there
  are certain signs and symptoms to look out for,
  including
• Difficulties with coordination
• Intellectual and cognitive impairment
• Vision problems
• Hearing impairment

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Treatments

• If Periventricular leukomalacia is suspected,
  your child may need to undergo a series of
  development assessments in order to get an
  accurate diagnosis, as well as a cranial
  ultrasound, which is usually reserved until the
  infant is at least over 6 months of age, as
  performing an ultrasound too early may not detect
  PVL. Treatment will then depend upon the severity
  of the disorder, but typically includes a series
  of therapy plans, including physical, massage,
  and speech. If vision is impaired, your physician
  may recommend corrective vision treatment.

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Outlook for Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
patients

• Prognosis greatly depends upon the severity of
  the disease. While some children will have
  relatively minor problems, others may have severe
  disabilities and deficits for life. The best
  course of action is to ensure you and your
  physician find and carry out the best treatment
  plan for your childs situation.

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