Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
Learn More:
Ask a Therapist
We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
Ask a Therapist
Periventricular Leukomalacadia (PVL)
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What is Periventricular Leukomalacadia
Periventricular Leukomalacadia (PVL) is one of the most important causes
of cerebral palsy and other long-term handicaps.
PVL is primarily seen in premature infants with the most prematurely born
being the most likely to have this problem. PVL is caused by insufficient
blood flow to parts of an infants brain before birth, at delivery, or after
birth.
Symptoms of PVL
There are no physical symptoms of PVL in the newborn period. Examining
your baby will not determine if PVL is present.
Diagnosing Periventricular Leukomalacadia
PVL can only be identified by ultrasound, MRI scan, or CT scan of the
brain.
Premature newborns have a risk of PVL and usually have a head ultrasound
done at about 30 days of age to look for Periventricular Leukomalacadia.
The ultrasound test is the simplest brain-imaging test to perform. Even on
a head ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, PVL may not show up until a month or
more after birth.
Therefore, to identify PVL reliably, a head ultrasound or other test
should be done at about four weeks after birth.
When Is A Baby At Risk Of Developing PVL?
According to research, the lower the birth weight, the higher the risk
for PVL. However, for each patient, many factors may combine to affect the
development of Periventricular Leukomalacadia, including low blood pressure,
infection in the baby or mother, and prolonged periods of low oxygen levels
in the baby's blood.
It is very difficult to predict which babies will develop PVL. That is
why doctors perform routine head ultrasound examinations on many premature
babies.
Treatment of PVL
There is no specific treatment for Periventricular Leukomalacadia.
Current research focuses on identifying risk factors and on preventing PVL.
There is some evidence that massage therapy, range of motion exercises, and
oral and visual stimulation may reduce the level of disability. For that
reason, occupational therapists are often included in your baby's treatment
team.
Long-term Problems from Periventricular Leukomalacadia
Your baby's muscle control might be affected, although other brain
functions may also be involved. The three most common problems resulting
from PVL are:
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays (including mental retardation)
- Behavior problems
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Therapy Options
Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with childhood developmental
delays and behaviors. These include in-home services, outpatient (you take
your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school
based services. Which type of therapy should you choose?
Visit our Therapy Options
area to learn more.
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