Guide To The Treatment Options For Periventricular Leukomalacia

Periventricular leukomalacia is a brain injury that occurs in infants. Infants are more likely to develop this brain injury if they have a low birth weight and are born prematurely. The damage occurs in the white matter surrounding the ventricles. White matter is responsible for transmitting messages from the nerves to the brain and vice versa. This injury can cause many different issues. It depends on the areas of white matter that are affected. Due to this, children can have very different symptom presentations. Babies who have this injury may develop cerebral palsy. Some of the most common symptoms include motor issues, muscle tightness, vision issues, and developmental delays.

Treatment for periventricular leukomalacia varies based on a patient's symptoms. Of course, there are common options that most individuals will require at some point. This includes regular physical therapy for periventricular leukomalacia. Some patients may need occupational therapy as a treatment. Medications for periventricular leukomalacia may also be used. Ultimately, however, it is vital to review the common periventricular leukomalacia treatments with a doctor.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy treats a wide range of different motor issues, including those that develop with periventricular leukomalacia. If a child experiences developmental delays, they may have trouble reaching milestones that other children do. They may also reach these milestones later than the average child. Infants typically achieve the ability to hold up their head at four months old, the ability to sit at six months old, and beginning to walk at around twelve months old. 

If a child is not exploring different kinds of movement, they may have delayed development. A physical therapist will evaluate the child's movement to determine which areas need work. They will then create a plan to help with the child's developmental skills. This plan includes parental guidance about how parents can help their child progress at home. Physical therapists can help children learn to move their muscles in certain ways. They also offer advice on how much practice the child will need to reach their developmental milestones.

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