What can PVL cause?

What can PVL cause?

PVL can cause damage to the nerve pathways that control motor movements, resulting in muscles that are tight, spastic or resistant to movement, in addition to being weak. Babies with PVL have a higher risk of cerebral palsy and may have learning difficulties and other developmental problems.

Does PVL go away?

There is no treatment to cure PVL. Babies at risk for PVL may need special care after discharge from the hospital. Follow-up may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Is PVL a brain bleed?

PVL occurs because brain tissue has been injured or has died. A lack of blood flow to the brain tissue before, during, or after birth causes PVL. It is rarely possible to tell when or why this happens. PVL is sometimes linked to bleeding inside the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage).

Can PVL resolve itself?

In some mild cases, the condition causes no symptoms. There is no treatment to cure PVL. Babies at risk for PVL may need special care after discharge from the hospital. Follow-up may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Is PVL brain damage?

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury that affects premature infants. The condition involves the death of small areas of brain tissue around fluid-filled areas called ventricles. The damage creates “holes” in the brain. “Leuko” refers to the brain’s white matter.

Does PVL get worse?

PVL is not a progressive condition so its symptoms do not gradually worsen as the child gets older. The damage to the white matter occurs during brain development and does not continue to expand after birth.

Can PVL cause seizures?

Children with PVL may have seizures. A study in Israel of 541 patients showed that 18.7% of those experienced seizures. Seizures are more common in those born prematurely and with low birth weight.

How can PVL be prevented?

Preventing premature birth is one of the most important steps in decreasing the risk of PVL. In addition, strategies that emphasize the maintenance of adequate blood supply and flow in the brain should be used to help prevent PVL.

When does PVL occur in the human brain?

PVL occurs because brain tissue has been injured or has died. A lack of blood flow to the brain tissue before, during, or after birth causes PVL. It is rarely possible to tell when or why this happens. PVL is sometimes linked to bleeding inside the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage).

How does PVL affect the development of a child?

Babies with PVL have a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy (a group of disorders that prevent the child from controlling their muscles normally), and may have intellectual or learning difficulties. PVL may occur alone or in addition to intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding inside the brain).

What does periventricular leukomalacia ( PVL ) mean in medical terms?

What is periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)? 1 Periventricular means around or near the ventricles, the spaces in the brain containing the cerebrospinal fluid 2 Leuko means white 3 Malacia means softening

Which is the most common symptom of PVL?

The most common symptom of PVL is spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy characterized by tight, contracted muscles, especially in the legs. The symptoms of PVL may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby’s doctor for a diagnosis.