Post-polio syndrome

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Post-polio syndrome
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle atrophy, joint pain
Complications	N/A
Onset	15 to 40 years after initial polio infection
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Poliovirus infection history
Risks	Severity of initial polio infection, age at onset of polio
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other conditions
Differential diagnosis	Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, generally progressive
Frequency	Affects 25-40% of polio survivors
Deaths	N/A

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors years after recovery from an initial acute attack of the poliovirus. It is characterized by a further weakening of muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of post-polio syndrome can vary widely among individuals but commonly include:

• Progressive muscle and joint weakness and pain
• General fatigue and exhaustion with minimal activity
• Muscle atrophy
• Breathing or swallowing problems
• Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea
• Decreased tolerance of cold temperatures

Causes

The exact cause of post-polio syndrome is not well understood. However, it is believed to be related to the degeneration of individual nerve terminals in the motor units that remain after the initial polio infection. Over time, these motor units may lose their ability to function, leading to muscle weakness and other symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of post-polio syndrome is primarily clinical and involves:

• A detailed medical history and physical examination
• Exclusion of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them

Treatment

There is no cure for post-polio syndrome, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility
• Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities
• Pain management strategies, including medications and lifestyle changes
• Use of assistive devices such as braces, canes, or wheelchairs
• Energy conservation techniques to manage fatigue

Prognosis

The progression of post-polio syndrome is generally slow, and the severity of symptoms can vary. With appropriate management, many individuals can maintain a good quality of life.

See also

• Poliovirus
• Poliomyelitis
• Neuromuscular disease
• Sleep apnea
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy

See Also

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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