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Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) Lawyers
It’s a complicated name for a complicated condition. Drawn from three medical terms, periventricular (around or near the ventricles of the brain), leuko (white) and malacia (softening), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a kind of brain damage affecting white matter in the brain. Predominantly a movement disorder that creates problems with muscle control (tight or spastic muscles), children with PVL may also experience learning disabilities and other cognitive impairment. They also have an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy.
Although PVL is the second most common central nervous system problem in premature infants, there is still much unknown about this condition. It is known, however, that PVL can be caused by impaired fetal oxygenation, usually, but not exclusively, in pre-term fetuses.
Premature fetuses exposed to hypoxia-ischemia tend to suffer this pattern of brain injury due to the vulnerability of the immature blood vessels near the lateral ventricles in the brain. These vessels are particularly vulnerable to disruption and bleeding in babies who have not reached term (more than 37 weeks gestation).
In the medical management of preterm labour, obstetrical care providers must have the risk of this injury in mind when making care decisions. Although some medical literature describe PVL as an injury associated with prematurity, PVL does not occur spontaneously – there must be a trigger that leads to the pattern of injury. The mechanism of injury for these premature babies may be the same as that in term babies, but term babies tend to see injury to other locations in the brain because the affected vessels have matured in the term baby.
What is PVL?
Any process that causes impaired fetal oxygenation in the preterm fetus has the potential to cause PVL. This includes birth asphyxia. PVL can occur during pregnancy, during labour or shortly after birth.
PVL most commonly affects fetuses at or before 36 weeks in gestational age. Having said that, most babies born after 30 weeks gestational age do very well, with very few suffering any neurological injury unless some other harmful process initiates this type of injury. The harmful process that initiates PVL is, in some cases, medical error.
Symptoms of PVL.
Depending on the severity and location of the brain damage, a child may have no symptoms or experience significant disability. Symptoms often become more apparent over time and tend to be pronounced by six to nine months of age. They may include:
- spastic diplegia.
- cerebral palsy.
- developmental delays (mental and physical).
- poor coordination.
- vision problems and difficulty with eye movement.
- hearing loss.
- cognitive impairment and learning disabilities.
- developmental delay (mental and physical).
- scoliosis.
- seizures.
- urinary incontinence.
Diagnosing PVL.
Like any neurological injury, PVL will be diagnosed using imaging of the newborn brain. The easiest and most convenient imaging is done using head ultrasound. This modality of imaging, however, is not precise. The gold standard for imaging of the brain is MRI. MRI provides an exquisitely detailed view of the brain lesions associated with acute perinatal injury.
Treatment.
There is no cure for PVL, but certain treatments and therapies can help with symptom management. The type of treatment recommended will depend on an infant’s age, the severity of the condition, and how well medications and therapies are tolerated. Common treatments include:
- physical therapy.
- occupational therapy and assistive devices.
- speech-language therapy.
- vision therapy.
Early intervention with a developmental specialist can often improve outcomes; however, in severe cases a child with PVL may require attendant care and be unable to ever live independently.
Why my child?
Learning that your child has PVL can be devastating - particularly if the damage looks as though it will seriously reduce quality of life or require significant and expensive resources to support them as they grow and live their best life possible. But if you believe a medical provider’s negligence caused or contributed to the condition, it can be especially frustrating. We trust our doctors, nurses, and institutions to care for us and our loved ones in a way that helps, not hurts.
Discovering medical malpractice may have caused your child’s PVL could make you feel angry, sad, overwhelmed and any number of other complex emotions. Above all, you may feel terribly alone in this.
Fortunately, there are many people out there who can support you and your loved one during these difficult times. Gluckstein’s experienced birth trauma lawyers are here to help you and advocate for your child with PVL. As one of Canada’s Top 10 personal injury firms, we have the knowledge, skill, and experience to represent your interests in a civil action against those who hurt you.
How Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help.
When you first contact us for a no cost, no obligation initial consultation, we will listen to your story with great empathy and attention. If you believe your loved one’s PVL injury may have been caused through medical negligence, we will explain how we will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine
if you have an actionable case. If you choose us as your legal representative, we will draw on our extensive network of medical experts as we build a strong case that will encourage a fair and just settlement or be court ready if we need to go to trial. We will also never accept payment unless we are successful in obtaining a settlement or court award for you.
At Gluckstein, we treat our clients as we would treat our own family. That means we care about you and your well-being beyond the legal case. Our renowned team of client liaisons, some of whom had experienced their own personal injuries, will be available to you every step of the way. They will not only update you on the case and provide important information, but also help to connect you with resources or support groups that may help you and your loved ones on your healing journey.
Even when your case ends, our interest in you doesn’t. Many of our past clients will tell you that the relationship they built with us during this exceedingly difficult time of their life has lasted long after they’ve needed our services. It is a privilege to see how the compensation sought for you has helped you and your loved ones live your best life possible.
Trust the team at Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers with your PVL birth injury case. Together, we can work to get you what you and your loved ones need and deserve for the harm that was done to you.
Related Expertise.
FAQs.
- What are the long term effects of birth injuries?
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Birth injuries can have lasting effects on a child's health and well-being, leading to various long-term consequences such as:
- Physical Disabilities: Birth injuries like cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or brain damage can result in long-term physical disabilities that may affect mobility, coordination, and overall physical function.
- Cognitive Impairments: Some birth injuries can impact cognitive development, leading to learning disabilities, developmental delays, or intellectual impairments that persist into adulthood.
- Emotional and Behavioral Challenges: Children who experience birth injuries may face emotional and behavioral challenges such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other mental health conditions.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Certain birth injuries may predispose individuals to chronic health conditions like epilepsy, respiratory problems, vision or hearing impairments, and other ongoing medical issues.
- Social Impact: Birth injuries can influence social interactions and relationships, potentially leading to feelings of isolation, difficulties forming connections, or challenges in social integration.
- Educational Needs: Children with birth injuries may require specialized educational support, individualized learning plans, or assistive technologies to accommodate their unique needs and facilitate academic progress.
- Financial Burden: The long-term effects of birth injuries can impose a significant financial burden on families due to healthcare expenses, therapy costs, assistive devices, and ongoing care requirements.
Understanding the potential long-term effects of birth injuries is essential for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure early intervention, appropriate treatment, and necessary support to help children thrive despite the challenges they may face. If you suspect that your child has suffered a birth injury, seeking medical evaluation and legal guidance promptly can help address the long-term implications effectively.
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- Who can be sued for a birth injury caused by medical negligence?
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In cases of birth injury resulting from medical negligence in Ontario, various entities may face legal action, including:
- Healthcare Providers: This category encompasses obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and other healthcare professionals directly engaged in prenatal care, labor, or delivery services.
- Hospitals or Medical Facilities: The institution where the birth injury occurred could be deemed liable, particularly if their policies, practices, or inadequate equipment contributed to the negligent circumstances.
- Medical Staff: Individual healthcare workers whose actions or oversights led to the birth injury can be held accountable.
- Pharmaceutical Companies: If medication or medical devices played a role in the birth injury due to defects or improper use, pharmaceutical companies might be implicated in the legal proceedings.
- Third Parties: External entities such as medical equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, or other involved parties in the birthing process that contributed to the negligence leading to the birth injury.
To ascertain responsibility in cases of birth injury caused by medical negligence, a comprehensive investigation, legal acumen, and collaboration with medical experts are essential. If you suspect that your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, seeking guidance from a specialized birth injury lawyer in Ontario is recommended. They can assess your situation, identify the responsible parties, and assist you in navigating the legal process to pursue rightful compensation
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- Why should I hire an Ontario birth injury lawyer?
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Hiring a birth injury lawyer in Ontario can be crucial for several reasons:
- Legal Expertise: Birth injury cases can be complex, and an experienced lawyer specializing in this area understands the laws and regulations specific to birth injuries.
- Maximizing Compensation: A skilled lawyer can help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve for medical expenses, ongoing care, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and consult with medical experts to strengthen your case.
- Navigating the Legal Process: The legal process can be overwhelming, but a lawyer will guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Peace of Mind: By entrusting your case to a knowledgeable lawyer, you can focus on your family while knowing that your legal matters are in capable hands.
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- What is the deadline for filing a birth injury claim?
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In Ontario, there are limitations on how long you have to file a birth injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. It's crucial to consult with a lawyer promptly to understand your legal options and ensure timely action is taken to protect your rights.
For personalized guidance on your specific situation, we recommend reaching out to a reputable birth injury lawyer in Ontario for a consultation.
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- What type of cases do birth injury lawyers take on?
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Birth injury lawyers in Ontario handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Erb's Palsy
- Brachial Plexus Injuries
- Brain Damage
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Hypoxia
- Bone Fractures
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- What is a birth injury lawyer?
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A birth injury lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in cases where an infant has been injured during the birthing process due to medical negligence or malpractice. These lawyers have a deep understanding of the complex medical and legal issues involved in birth injury cases and work to help families receive compensation for the physical and emotional damages suffered. Birth injury lawyers can assist with cases involving various types of birth injuries.
If you're considering a medical negligence lawsuit following a birth injury, a specialized lawyer in this field can provide meaningful advice and direction after reviewing the medical records and the specifics of the case.
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- What are some symptoms of periventricular leukomalacian (PVL)?
- Depending on the severity and location of the brain damage, a child may have no symptoms or experience significant disability. Symptoms often become more apparent over time and tend to be pronounced by six to nine months of age. They may include: spastic diplegia, cerebral palsy, developmental delays (mental and physical), poor coordination, vision problems and difficulty with eye movement, hearing loss, cognitive impairment and learning disabilities, developmental delay (mental and physical), scoliosis, seizures, urinary incontinence. Get More Information
- How is periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) diagnosed?
- Symptoms of PVL are frequently associated with other conditions and disorders. Therefore, a physical exam in itself may be the first step in a diagnosis, but confirmation usually comes from either a cranial ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Get More Information
- What is periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)?
- PVL is a condition where damage to cells or cell death causes a softening of white brain tissue near the ventricles (fluid-filled chambers in the brain). It is believed that PVL is caused if the brain receives too little blood and/or oxygen. Get More Information
- What is the most common cause of cerebral palsy?
- The most common cause of cerebral palsy is brain damage or abnormal brain development that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. This is often due to factors like premature birth, complications during delivery, or infections during pregnancy. Get More Information
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