Post-polio Syndrome
Definition
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors. It can lead to muscle weakness and joint pain. It can happen 10 to 40 years after having polio.
Causes
The exact cause of PPS is unknown. It may be due to nerve and muscle damage from the original polio infection.
Risk Factors
PPS is more common in women. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Previous polio
- Severe original polio
- Older age during infection
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- Feeling tired
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle pain, twitches, or cramps
- Problems swallowing or breathing
- High sensitivity to heat or cold
- Voice changes
- Problems focusing
- Swelling in lower limbs
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may check reflexes, muscles, and nerves. PPS may be hard to diagnose.
Tests are used to rule out other conditions. They may include:
- Electromyography—measures how well nerves and muscles work together
- Nerve conduction velocity—to check for nerve injury
- MRI scan—to look at body structures
- Muscle biopsy—to rule out other conditions
Treatment
The goal is ease symptoms and help the person function better.
Options may be:
- Assistive devices
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Weight loss, if overweight
- Medicines to ease muscle spasms, pain, and depression
- Occasionally, surgery—to correct conditions that impair function
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent PPS.
RESOURCES:
March of Dimes
http://www.marchofdimes.org
Post-Polio Health International
http://www.post-polio.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
When It Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://whenithurtstomove.org
REFERENCES:
Lo JK, Robinson LR. Postpolio syndrome and the late effects of poliomyelitis. Part 1. pathogenesis, biomechanical considerations, diagnosis, and investigations. Muscle Nerve. 2018;58(6):751-759.
Postpolio syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/postpolio-syndrome Accessed April 1, 2021.
Post-polio syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Post-Polio-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Accessed April 1, 2021.
What is post-polio syndrome? Post-Polio Health International website. Available at: https://post-polio.org/education/what-is-post-polio-syndrome/. Accessed April 1, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 4/1/2021