Definition
Definition
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors. About 20%-40% of people who recover from polio will later develop PPS. The onset may occur 10-40 years after the initial polio attack.
Causes
Causes
The exact cause is unknown. It is not due to the original polio virus itself. Instead, the syndrome is due to nerve and muscle damage that may have been caused by the original infection.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of developing PPS include:
- Previous polio attack
- Severe original polio attack
- Later age at onset of infection
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Slowly progressive muscle weakness
- Muscular atrophy
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Intolerance to heat or cold
If the symptoms during the first attack of polio were severe, the symptoms of PPS may also be severe.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A neuromuscular exam may also be done. PPS may be hard to diagnose because symptoms come and go. The symptoms may also overlap with other diseases.
Testing often involves electromyography. This measures how well your nerves and muscles are communicating.
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with an MRI scan.
Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
- Muscle biopsy
- Lumbar puncture to assess the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. The goals are to:
- Prevent overuse of weak muscles
- Prevent disuse, atrophy, and weakness
- Protect joints from weak muscles
- Maximize function
- Minimize discomfort
Treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Assistive devices
- Weight loss, if overweight
- Medication to relieve muscle spasms and pain
- Occasionally, surgery to correct deformities that interfere with function
- Immunoglobulin—currently being studied to treat PPS
Prevention
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing PPS. But polio survivors who keep physically fit may have a reduced risk of PPS.
RESOURCES:
Post-Polio Health International http://www.post-polio.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Howard R. Poliomyelitis and the postpolio syndrome. BMJ. 2005;330(7503):1314-1318.
Post-polio syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/post_polio/detail_post_polio.htm
Updated April 16, 2014. Accessed September 5, 2014.
What is post-polio syndrome? Post-Polio Health International website. Available at:
http://www.post-polio.org/edu/pps.html
Accessed September 5, 2014.
Last Updated: 9/5/2014