What are my babys chances of having PVL?
Babies born prematurely who have had an intraventricular hemorrhage are at greatest risk for developing PVL. However, any condition before, during, or after birth that interferes with the blood flow to the periventricular tissue can increase the chances that your baby may have PVL. Your babys doctor will be able to tell you what risk factors your baby has. • Can the damaged parts of my baby’s brain regenerate? Unfortunately, lost nerve fibers do not regenerate. Your baby may learn how to compensate for the lost nerve fibers to some extent, but replacement does not appear to occur. • Would multisensory stimulation improve my babys outcome? There is some evidence that massage therapy, range of motion exercises, and oral and visual stimulation may reduce the level of disability. They pose little risk to your baby and may help. You should ask your baby’s nurse, doctor or occupational therapist about this.
