Periventricular Leukomalacia
Periventricular Leukomalacia Causes
Periventricular leukomalacia is caused by a lack of blood flow or oxygen supply to the brain's periventricular that will result in the eventual death or loss of the brain tissues. The Periventricular area of the brain contains nerve fibers essential in carrying messages in the brain.
Periventricular Leukomalacia Definition
Periventricular leukomalacia is often characterized by the death of the white matter which is found near the cerebral ventricles. The death of the white matter is caused by the softening of the tissue of the brain. It usually could affect newborn babies or fetuses, with premature babies being at the greatest risk to suffer from the disorder.
Periventricular Leukomalacia Diagnosis
Periventricular leukomalacia can be diagnosed using the ultrasound. But most physicians find the magnetic resonance imaging of the patient's head to be more accurate.
Periventricular Leukomalacia Symptoms and Signs
Babies with Periventricular leukomalacia usually have no obvious signs or symptoms of the disease, however these babies are at high risk for some disorders involving the motor skills especially the legs, some delays in mental development, problem in the coordination, with impaired vision and hearing skills. Children suffering from this disorder have higher nystagmus levels, optic nerve hypoplasia, strabismus, and refractive error.
Periventricular Leukomalacia Treatment
Treatments for Periventricular leukomalacia is done by administering medications such as anticonvulsant topiramate which is administered post-insult in vivo. Other medications also include Topiramate. It is important to always monitor children with Periventricular leukomalacia and should be given regular screenings in order to know what appropriate interventions to make.