Periventricular Leukomalacia
Periventricular Leukomalacia, or PVL, occurs when brain tissue softens and dies. It is caused by the failure of blood and oxygen to flow in the periventricular area of the brain. While it can affect fetuses or newborns, premature babies have the greatest risk of developing this disorder. While PVL may develop in utero, during labor, or during the first few days of life, symptoms may be subtle. It is usually not detectable until later in the child’s life and commonly leads to cerebral palsy.
PVL can lead to Other Problems
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, babies with PVL are at heightened risk for motor disorders, delayed mental development, coordination problems, and vision and hearing impairments.* The disorder can be discovered by an ultrasound of the head, which will show a hemorrhage or bleeding in the periventricular-intraventricular area.
Screening is Important for Early Detection
Because PVL is most likely to occur in infants who have experienced infections, respiratory distress, pneumonia, hypotension or patent ductus arteriosus (failure of a cardiac blood vessel to close normally) in the first few days of life, it is important the physicians order an ultrasound to screen for the disorder when these other conditions are present.
Symptoms
If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, PVL may be the culprit:
- Motor problems in the legs and arms
- Slow speech
- Delayed mental development
- Poor vision or hearing
Seizures
Other potential symptoms may appear as the child grows including short attention span, poor coordination, and behavioral problems. Children with PVL may need supportive care as necessary so parents should consult with a physician for regular screenings to determine the appropriate actions to take.
Contact Us
If your child, or the child of someone you know, has shown signs of PVL, contact our office. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will provide you with a free consultation, and work to ensure you are compensated for any medical costs associated with this traumatic birth injury.
Source: *NINDS
