Question 1

what is periventricular leukomalacia?

Accepted Answer

White matter disease: Surrounding the fluid spaces within the brain are white (myelinated) nerve fiber tracts. These are susceptible to damage, usually due to small vessel circulatory problems. Other causes: hypertension, low blood sodium, brain trauma, genetics, low blood oxygen levels, alcoholism, certain drugs.

Question 2

what are the tests for periventricular leukomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Visible on US or CT: An ultrasound done through the soft spot will often detect pvl. Ct or MRI might also be helpful but the cranial ultrasound is easy to do & requires little preparation or stress on the patient so it is the more common study for this dx.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of periventricular leukomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: Periventricular leukomalacia is a condition that mostly affects preterm infants. The hallmark symptom present in these children is a bilateral spasticity of the lower limbs.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: periventricular leukomalacia?

Accepted Answer

PVL: Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a form of white-matter brain injury, characterized by the necrosis (more often coagulation) of white matter near the lateral ventricles. It can affect newborns and (less commonly) fetuses; premature infants are at the greatest risk of the disorder.

Question 5

i am a basket case. my son has periventricular leukomalacia. can you tell me something about it?

Accepted Answer

Discriptive term: Pvl is used to describe changes in the appearance of the brain substance that is adjacent to the ventricles of the brain (spinal fluid containing sacs in the middle). This occurs when blood flow or oxygen delivery to those sites was interupted and injury occured. Outcome is variable & movement disorders& motor delay are common. Therapy will often improve outcome. Developmental followup is a must.

Question 6

would like to know what immediate action can be taken for a child (11 yrs ) suffering from "periventricular leukomalacia" has an attack of fits. ?

Accepted Answer

Loss of blood flow &amp;: oxygen causes death of white matter around the fluid-filled ventricles of the fetal brain, often between 26-42 wks. More common in &quot;preemies&quot;, some causes are infection, maternal cocaine or meth use &amp; bleeding in the ventricles. Pediatric neurologists treat  Spastic Cerebral Palsy &amp; Seizures. Special Education is needed for Intellectual Disability or Specific Learning Disability. See below.

Question 7

how is periventricular leukomalacia (pvl) treated in a newborn?

Accepted Answer

See below: There is no specific treatment.

Question 8

what's the prognosis for periventricular leukomalacia (pvl) in a baby?

Accepted Answer

See below: The prognosis varies. It depends on the severity of the pvl, and any other problems. The child should have his/her development followed closely. They may benefit from early intervention services, as well.

Question 9

are there good alternative medicines for kids with periventricular leukomalacia?

Accepted Answer

No: Periventricular leukomalacia is a condition where brain tissue has been lost in so-called "water-shed" areas. Since the tissue is gone, there is no treatment per se, although one may need to treat associated disorders, such as muscle stiffness or dysfunction, with medical or non-medical therapies.

Question 10

how common is periventricular leukomalacia in babies born full term?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon: Very uncommon.  Periventricular leukomalacia, or white matter pathology, represents some pathological process has occurred or is occurring.  This would require an understanding of cause and perhaps an action plan wrt treatment, if possible.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Periventricular leukomalacia drugs

A member asked:

What is periventricular leukomalacia?

A member asked:

What are the tests for periventricular leukomalacia?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of periventricular leukomalacia?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: periventricular leukomalacia?

A member asked:

I am a basket case. my son has periventricular leukomalacia. can you tell me something about it?

A member asked:

Would like to know what immediate action can be taken for a child (11 yrs ) suffering from "periventricular leukomalacia" has an attack of fits. ?

A member asked:

How is periventricular leukomalacia (pvl) treated in a newborn?

A member asked:

What's the prognosis for periventricular leukomalacia (pvl) in a baby?

A member asked:

Are there good alternative medicines for kids with periventricular leukomalacia?

A member asked:

How common is periventricular leukomalacia in babies born full term?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?