PVL, or periventricular leukomalacia, is a condition that can affect premature babies. It relates to damage to the white matter of the brain, which affects communication between different areas of the brain. Synonyms that relate to PVL can include conditions like cerebral palsy, spasticity, and developmental delays. These all relate to the impact that PVL can have on a child's motor skills and cognitive development. Other related terms can include hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, which can also cause brain damage in infants. Understanding the different terms that relate to PVL can help parents and professionals better understand the condition and its impact on children.