Overview Of Treatments For Periventricular Leukomalacia

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a brain injury in infants. The damage occurs around the ventricles. Specifically, it happens in the surrounding white matter! White matter, of course, transmits messages from the nerves to the brain. It also delivers messages from the brain to the nerves! Low birth weight and premature birth are significant risk factors. Many babies with this injury develop cerebral palsy! Signs of this are vision problems, motor issues, and tight muscles. Developmental delays are another one.

Symptoms dictate a patient's treatment for periventricular leukomalacia. Many patients need regular occupational therapy and physical therapy for PVL. They also benefit from medications! This includes medication for seizures. Pain medication for inflammation is also standard. Of course, parents need to review the common treatment options first.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an effective treatment! It is excellent for handling a patient's motor issues. Children with periventricular leukomalacia often have developmental delays. This makes it harder for them to reach certain milestones! Typically, they reach them later than average. Examples of challenging milestones include holding up their head at four months old and sitting at six months old. It is also hard for patients to start walking at around one year old!

Delayed development often means that a child is not exploring different movements. Physical therapists will evaluate each patient. This helps them determine where the child needs help! Once they do this, physical therapists create a plan for the child's developmental skills. They will include how parents can help at home! Children with this condition learn how to move their muscles in physical therapy. The therapists will also inform parents of how much practice their child needs to meet their milestones!

Uncover more treatments for this condition now.