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Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury that affects white matter and mostly affects babies who were born too soon, especially those who were delivered before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Diminished blood flow and oxygen delivery to the periventricular region, the area surrounding the brain's fluid-filled ventricles, cause this condition. Insufficient oxygen makes white matter softer or damages it. White matter is important for sending messages between different sections of the brain.

PVL is closely linked to problems in neonates, including breathing problems, infections, and unstable blood pressure. There may not be any signs right away, but later on, the illness can show up as developmental delays, motor problems, or cerebral palsy. In extreme instances, cognitive and visual impairments may arise from damaged neuronal connections.

Doctors usually use cranial ultrasonography or MRI scans to make a diagnosis. These tests show alterations in the brain tissue that are typical of the condition. PVL does not have a universal treatment, but its management primarily revolves around supportive care and early intervention measures. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental support programmes.
Preventive approaches focus on better prenatal care, lowering the risk of preterm birth, and keeping oxygen and blood flow steady in at-risk babies to protect their brains.