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Is there any treatment for post-polio syndrome?
There's currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, so treatment focuses on helping you manage your symptoms and improving your quality of life. People with the condition are often treated by a team of different healthcare professionals working together.
How long can you live with post-polio syndrome?
People who recover from the initial attack of polio often live for years without further signs or symptoms. The onset of late effects varies widely but typically begins at least 15 years after the initial diagnosis.
What kind of doctor do you see for post-polio syndrome?
Neurologists are physicians who diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system. They address diseases of the spinal cord, nerves, and muscles that affect the operation of the nervous system.
Does post-polio syndrome get worse?
The symptoms tend to get gradually worse over many years, but this happens very slowly and treatment may help slow it down further. Post-polio syndrome is rarely life-threatening, although some people develop breathing and swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious problems, such as chest infections.
Is post-polio syndrome a disability?
Post-polio Syndrome is a complex medical condition which may impact an individual's employment as well as their personal life. If you are unable to work because of Post-polio Syndrome, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
Is post-polio syndrome painful?
Muscle and joint pain are also common in post-polio syndrome. Muscle pain is usually felt as a deep ache in the muscles or muscle cramps and spasms. The pain is often worse after you've used the affected muscles. It can be particularly troublesome during the evening after a day's activities.
Does post-polio syndrome affect brain?
The polio virus attacks specific neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. Surviving cells sprout new nerve-end terminals and connect with other muscle fibers. These new connections may result in recovery of movement and gradual gain in power in the affected limbs.
Why does polio affect the legs?
Related to this is the possible shortening of the limb. In a growing child, bone grows as a result of the muscle pull on it and/or weight bearing. Therefore, many who contracted polio as a growing child may have one arm or leg or foot that is shorter and smaller than the non-affected/less affected limb.
What does polio do to legs?
While most people fully recover from polio, the disease can cause very serious problems. These problems can sometimes develop quickly (hours after infection) and include: Numbness, a feeling of pins and needles or tingling in the legs or arms. Paralysis in the legs, arms or torso.
Is post-polio syndrome progressive?
Post-polio syndrome progresses slowly in most people. They may experience new signs and symptoms followed by periods of stability.
Does post-polio syndrome affect the heart?
patients with post-polio syndrome Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) can affect anyone at any time. They cause muscle weakness that can affect the heart, breathing, coughing, swallowing, speech, and limbs muscles, all of which cause disability and compromise the quality of life.
Is post-polio syndrome fatal?
In less than 1% of cases, polio causes permanent paralysis of the arms, legs or breathing muscles. Between 5% and 10% of people who develop paralytic polio will die. Physical symptoms may emerge 15 years or more after the first polio infection. These new symptoms are called the 'late effects of polio'.
Diagnosis
- There's no diagnostic test for post-polio syndrome. Diagnosis is based on a medical history and physical exam, and exclusion of other conditions that could cause the signs and symptoms.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Having to deal again with an illness you thought was in the past can be discouraging or even overwhelming at times. Recovering from the initial illness required drive and determination, but now the late effects of polio require you to rest and conserve your energy. Here are some suggestions: 1. Limit activities that cause pain or fatigue.Moderation is key. Overdoing it on a go…
Coping and Support
- Dealing with the fatigue and weakness of post-polio syndrome can be difficult physically and psychologically. You might need to rely on your friends and family. Don't hesitate to tell them what kind of help you need. Consider joining a support group for people with post-polio syndrome. Sometimes talking things over with people who have similar problems can help you cope. Ask y…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. However, you'll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in nervous system disorders (neurologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What Is Post-Polio Syndrome?
Symptoms
- Major symptoms include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and, in some cases, wasting (atrophy) of the muscles that were involved during the polio infection, typically the legs. Additional problems can include intolerance to heat or cold, and difficulty swallowing, talking, breathing or sleeping. The syndrome also can cause abnormal muscle contractions, such as quivering or spasms, in s…
Diagnosis
- There is no specific test that diagnoses post-polio syndrome. Instead, the diagnosis is made by confirming an old history of polio (based on history, physical examination and a muscle test called an electromyogram, or EMG). In addition to these, there needs to be a period of partial recovery after the initial illness and a long stable period without new symptoms (at least 10-20 years). Fin…
Prevention
- In people who have a history of polio, there is no good way to prevent post-polio syndrome. Obviously, the way to prevent post-polio syndrome in children and adults who never had polio or the polio vaccine is to prevent polio itself through vaccination, when recommended by the doctor.
Treatment
- Specific treatment for post-polio syndrome includes a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation approach. Physical therapy may be used to increase muscle strength and endurance and to help with improving balance and preventing falls. Occupational therapists can address upper extremity problems, especially overuse injuries, as well as recommend adaptive equ...
When to Call A Professional
- Call a health care professional if you have had polio, and notice changes in muscle strength, decreased endurance, muscle wasting or abnormal muscle twitching. Difficulties swallowing, breathing or sleeping also require medical attention.
Prognosis
- Post-polio syndrome usually worsens slowly. With a combination of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation approaches and lifestyle modifications, people often can return to or approach their previous level of functioning. Post-polio syndrome does not usually cause symptoms that are as severe as the original polio illness.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer