Understanding Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) and Treatment Options in Chesapeake, Virginia
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) is a condition that primarily affects premature infants, leading to the softening of white brain tissue near the ventricles. This can result in various developmental challenges as the child grows.
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What is Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)?
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) is characterized by the death or damage and softening of the white matter, the inner part of the brain that transmits information between nerve cells and the spinal cord, as well as from one part of the brain to another.
Periventricular means around or near the ventricles, the spaces in the brain containing the cerebrospinal fluid. Leuko means white. Malacia means softening.
PVL is common in very premature, low birthweight babies. It is the second most common complication involving the central nervous system in premature infants.
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.
There is no treatment for PVL. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the damage to the brain.
Causes of PVL
While the exact cause of PVL is not known, the condition is thought to be caused when the areas of the brain around the ventricles (the fluid-filled spaces of the brain) don’t get enough blood. This area of the brain is very prone to injury, especially in premature babies whose brain tissue is fragile. The more premature a baby is, the higher the risk for PVL.
Other factors that may be associated with PVL include:
- Bleeding inside the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage)
- Premature rupture of membranes (amniotic sac)
- Infection inside the uterus
Symptoms of PVL
Every child with PVL is unique and will have his or her own set of symptoms, which often become apparent over time as the child develops, rather than all at once.
The most common symptoms of PVL are:
- Trouble with vision and with eye movements
- Trouble with movement, and tight muscles
- Developmental delay that is increasingly apparent over time
Diagnosis of PVL
Newborns may not show symptoms of PVL in the first few days of life. However, since premature infants have an increased risk of developing the condition, doctors may perform the following diagnostic tests:
- Cranial ultrasound: a painless test that uses sound waves to view the baby's brain through the soft spot on top of the head (fontanel)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): this imaging procedure uses a magnetic field and radio to produce a detailed picture of the brain without exposing the infant to X-rays. PVL is a term that describes the way the affected infant’s brain looks on an MRI.
Treatment Options for PVL
Although there is no treatment for PVL, we may recommend other types of care for your child, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language therapy
- Vision therapy
Most of these therapies are provided through early intervention programs in your community. Here at Boston Children's, we work to connect families to early intervention and support them in other ways such as transitioning to another program in our hospital that specializes in caring for older children.
PVL Treatment Centers in Chesapeake, Virginia
For families in Chesapeake, Virginia, seeking treatment options for PVL, the following centers offer specialized care:
- Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD): Located in Norfolk, CHKD offers comprehensive pediatric neurological care, including therapies for PVL.
- Sentara Pediatric Neurology: Sentara Healthcare provides pediatric neurology services, including PVL-related treatments.
- Tidewater Children's Associates: Offers developmental and physical therapy for children with neurological disorders.
Support Resources
Families dealing with PVL can benefit from support groups and organizations that provide assistance and information. Here are some resources:
- Cerebral Palsy Foundation: Provides resources, research updates, and support for families affected by PVL and related conditions.
👉 Visit Cerebral Palsy Foundation
- March of Dimes: Offers educational resources and support for parents of premature babies.
- PVL Family Support Group (Facebook): A community where parents can share experiences and seek guidance.
Conclusion
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) is a serious condition that primarily affects premature infants, leading to potential developmental delays and motor function challenges.
While there is no cure, early intervention and therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for children with PVL.
Families in Chesapeake, Virginia, have access to specialized healthcare centers and numerous resources to support them on this journey.
By staying informed and seeking early intervention, parents can provide their children with the best possible outcomes.
Keywords: Periventricular Leukomalacia, PVL treatment, Chesapeake Virginia, Pediatric Neurology, Early Intervention