Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury that mostly occurs in premature infants. This injury destroys small areas of white matter in the brain and can lead to long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial hardship.

At Beam Legal Team, we fight for families across the country whose children have been diagnosed with PVL due to preventable medical errors. We have seen how devastated families are when their infants suffer birth injuries, and we’re dedicated to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable while securing the compensation they need to support their children’s futures.

Understanding Periventricular Leukomalacia

PVL is a brain injury that damages the white matter responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and body. It usually occurs during or shortly after birth because of insufficient oxygen or blood flow.

Key facts about PVL:

  • It’s most common in premature infants.
  • It involves white matter near the ventricles.
  • It’s linked to cerebral palsy (especially spastic diplegia).
  • Early diagnosis through MRI or ultrasound is critical.

PVL injuries are permanent and can impact movement, learning, and overall development.

Causes and Risk Factors of PVL

Several factors before, during, and shortly after birth can increase the risk of PVL. These include:

  • Premature birth (especially before 32 weeks): Premature babies are at heightened risk because their brain tissue is more fragile and vulnerable to oxygen deprivation.
  • Maternal infections during pregnancy: Infections such as chorioamnionitis can cause inflammation in the fetal brain.
  • Oxygen deprivation (hypoxic-ischemic events): A lack of oxygen or blood flow to the infant’s brain is a major cause of white matter damage.
  • Severe drops in blood pressure: Both maternal and fetal hypotension can contribute to PVL.
  • Maternal bleeding during pregnancy: Hemorrhaging can lead to complications that affect the fetus’s oxygen and nutrient supply.
  • Placental insufficiency: When the placenta can’t deliver enough oxygen or nutrients, the baby’s brain may be affected.
  • Prolonged rupture of membranes: This increases the risk of infection and preterm labor, both of which raise the risk of PVL.

Proper monitoring and timely medical intervention are critical to preventing PVL in vulnerable infants.

Medical Negligence and PVL

We know that PVL is not always preventable, but we’ve seen many instances where it is the result of negligent medical care. Healthcare providers must closely monitor the health of both the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. It’s their duty to act quickly if complications arise.

Negligence may include:

  • Failure to monitor for signs of fetal distress: Ignoring abnormal fetal heart rates or other warning signs can lead to preventable oxygen deprivation.
  • Delayed cesarean section when indicated: A failure to act promptly can result in hypoxic injury and PVL.
  • Failure to treat maternal infections: Untreated infections can trigger inflammation that damages the baby’s brain.
  • Improper management of premature labor: Delays in administering medications or providing a mother with the appropriate care can increase the risk of PVL.
  • Failure to diagnose and treat infant hypoxia: Low oxygen levels after birth must be identified and addressed immediately.
  • Improper ventilator management: Poor management of respiratory support in premature infants can cause over-oxygenation or under-oxygenation.
  • Missed diagnosis of risk factors: Overlooking maternal history or failing to conduct necessary tests can lead to a lack of preventative care.

When medical providers fail to uphold the standard of care and a child suffers PVL as a result, families may be able to pursue a birth injury claim.

Long-Term Outcomes and Challenges

The severity of PVL varies. In some cases, infants may experience only mild symptoms, while others face a life of profound disabilities. Common outcomes and challenges include:

  • Cerebral palsy: Many children with PVL are later diagnosed with CP (especially spastic types).
  • Cognitive impairments: Memory, attention, and processing speed may be affected.
  • Learning disabilities: Children may struggle with comprehension and communication.
  • Visual impairments: Damage to visual pathways in the brain can lead to poor eyesight or blindness.
  • Hearing loss: In some cases, auditory processing is impacted.
  • Behavioral challenges: ADHD and emotional difficulties are not uncommon in children with PVL.
  • Motor skill delays: Poor muscle tone and coordination issues are common and require physical therapy.

Caring for a child with PVL requires significant support and continuous care from multiple specialists. Many families must make adjustments to their homes, schedules, and finances to take care of their children. That’s why it’s critical to get Beam Legal Team on your side to seek enough compensation to tend to the needs of your child and family.

Compensation Available for Families

If your child developed PVL because of a medical mistake, you may be eligible for compensation to help cover:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Therapies (physical, occupational, speech, behavioral)
  • Assistive technology and medical equipment
  • Home modifications for accessibility
  • Special education services and tutoring
  • Lost income for parents who become full-time caregivers
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lifelong care and supervision
  • Loss of quality of life

Beam Legal Team will work closely with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to research and calculate the full extent of your child’s financial needs. Our collaboration with these experts ensures no expense is overlooked.

Why Choose Beam Legal Team

For decades, Beam Legal Team has focused exclusively on birth injury cases. Our firm offers:

  • Nationwide representation for families affected by PVL and other neonatal brain injuries
  • Proven results that include multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts
  • Access to leading medical experts to support and strengthen your case
  • A client-first approach focused on securing resources for your child’s lifetime needs

We understand the emotional and financial devastation associated with a birth injury. That’s why we’re committed to fighting for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Contact Beam Legal Team Today for a Free Consultation

If you believe your child’s periventricular leukomalacia was caused by medical negligence, do not try to go it alone. Contact Beam Legal Team for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, listen to your family’s unique concerns, and fight to protect your child’s future.