Periventricular leukomalacia
What is it?
PVL is a type of brain injury most commonly experienced by very premature babies.
PVL is an injury to the white matter surrounding the brain's fluid-filled ventricles. The white matter of the brain transmits information between nerve cells, the spinal cord, and from one part of the brain to another.
Low birthweight, very premature babies are at a higher risk of PVL. As a result of premature birth, it is the second most common complication affecting the central nervous system.
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Additional names
This group contains additional names:
- PVL
- Periventricular Leukomalacia
Signs & symptoms
The most common symptoms of PVL are:
Having difficulty seeing and moving your eyes
Muscle tightness and difficulty moving
Delays in development that become more apparent over time
Diagnosis
In the first few days of life, newborns may not show symptoms of PVL. Since premature infants are at an increased risk of developing the condition, doctors may perform the following diagnostic tests:
The cranial ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize the baby's brain through the soft spot on top of the head (fontanel).
A magnetic field and radio waves are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce a detailed image of the brain without exposing the infant to x-rays. An MRI shows the affected infant's brain to have PVL.
Treatment
Despite the fact that PVL is not treatable, we may recommend alternative forms of care for your child, including:
Physiotherapy
An occupational therapist
A speech-language pathologist can help
Physiotherapy for the eyes
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
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