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Individuals with PPS should seek medical advice from a physician experienced in treating neuromuscular disorders. A number of research studies have demonstrated that non-fatiguing exercises (those that do not cause pain or fatigue lasting more than 10 minutes) may improve muscle strength and reduce tiredness.
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.
What can be done for post-polio syndrome?
Here are some treatment options that may help manage your post-polio syndrome symptoms:Energy conservation. This involves pacing your physical activity and resting frequently to reduce fatigue. ... Physical therapy. ... Speech therapy. ... Sleep disorder treatment. ... Medications.Mar 23, 2022
What type of doctor treats 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.
What is the prognosis for post-polio syndrome?
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.
Does exercise help post-polio syndrome?
Aerobic exercise is recommended for most individuals with Post Polio Syndrome except when there are complaints of overwhelming fatigue. It is important to find the best type of activity to safely achieve a cardiovascular benefit.
What happens in post-polio syndrome?
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a disorder of the nerves and muscles. It happens in some people many years after they have had polio. PPS may cause new muscle weakness that gets worse over time, pain in the muscles and joints, and tiredness. People with PPS often feel exhausted.
Is there a test for post-polio syndrome?
Post-polio syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because there are no specific tests for it and symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. Your GP may suspect post-polio syndrome based on your medical history and the results of a physical examination.
Is post-polio syndrome a disability?
The diagnosis of postpolio sequelae is, by itself, not enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Is post-polio syndrome a neurological condition?
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a neurological condition that affects polio survivors decades after their initial infection.Jul 16, 2019
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 the lungs?
Respiratory muscle weakness, for instance, can result in trouble with proper breathing, affecting daytime functions and sleep. Weakness in swallowing muscles can result in aspiration of food and liquids into the lungs and lead to pneumonia.Nov 15, 2021
Treatment
- There's no one treatment for the various signs and symptoms of post-polio syndrome. The goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms and help make you as comfortable and independent as possible: 1. Energy conservation.This involves pacing your physical activity and resting frequent…
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.