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Periventricular leukomalacia
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is characterized by the death of the white matter near the cerebral ventricles due to softening of the brain tissue. It can affect fetuses or newborns; premature babies are at the greatest risk of the disorder. Additional recommended knowledge
CausesPVL is caused by a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the periventricular area of the brain, which results in the death or loss of brain tissue. The periventricular area (the area around the spaces in the brain called ventricles) contains nerve fibers that carry messages within the brain. PresentationAlthough babies with PVL generally have no outward signs or symptoms of the disorder, they are at risk for motor disorders (especially of the lower limbs), delayed mental development, coordination problems, and vision and hearing impairments. Children with PVL have higher levels of nystagmus, strabismus, optic nerve hypoplasia and refractive error. PVL may be accompanied by a hemorrhage or bleeding in the periventricular-intraventricular area (the area around and inside the ventricles), and can lead to cerebral palsy. DiagnosisThe disorder can be diagnosed by ultrasound, but magnetic resonance imaging of the head is diagnostically more accurate. TreatmentThere is no specific treatment for PVL. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Children with PVL should receive regular medical screenings to determine appropriate interventions. PrognosisThe prognosis for individuals with PVL depends upon the severity of the brain damage. Some children exhibit fairly mild symptoms, while others have significant deficits and disabilities.
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Periventricular_leukomalacia". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |