What is the syndrome that affects survivors of poliomyelitis, decades afterwards?

Post-polio syndrome is a new condition that affects the survivors of polio decades after the acute illness of poliomyelitis (polio). Pain, fatigue and weakness are major symptoms. The hall-mark of post-polio syndrome is new weakness. Some survivors may also experience muscle atrophy or muscle wasting, new sleep/breathing/swallowing problems, though less commonly.

An electromyography (EMG) is the confirmation test required to diagnose.

There is no cure for post-polio syndrome, health professionals recommend a management plan specified toward the polio survivor. Here are a few recommendations:- Bracing to support weak muscles and/or over-used and stretched joints; use of canes and crutches to relieve weight on weak limbs and to prevent falls; customized shoes to address unequal leg lengths, which can be cause of back pain and extra energy for walking and use of wheelchairs or motorized scooters for long-distance.

Essential Tremor: An unintentional, somewhat rhythmic, muscle movement of one or more parts of the body.

Wallenberg’s Syndrome: A neurological conditioned caused by a stroke.

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder characterized by recurring facial paralysis, swelling of face and lips and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue.

More Info: www.post-polio.org

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35 Comments

Keith Richard Mears

This horrible affliction, along with diphtheria, could make a return as the anti vaxx movement grows, that is a price & consequence of ignorance.

James Delp

I had polio. I am 68 and I hope that I never see any of these symptoms. I am one of the lucky ones.

Marian Spitzig

Just waiting for a resurgence... thanks , anti-vaxers.

earlepg

My wife had polio during her high school years. Several years later she learned about her PPS. Now 74 and has been fighting one thing after another as a direct consequence. She is one of the lucky ones not using a wheel chair or full time wiyh a walker. Wanting a life of her own, after getting out of the body braces, she took up learning ballet and ballroom dancing, earning her gold medal cetificate in international style ballroom before we married.

ninakamwene

Got this excellent learning trivia. As a child I received Polio vaccine in Kenya. I am grateful. Vaccines are needed for childhood diseases in my mind as a former lab person we will start to see more of these afflictions. Thank you.

Peter Robertson

Salk and Sabin. Heroes of the human race

Carolyn Harris

Thank you, for bringing this to the Public's attention!!! I suffer from post polio syndrome! Polio still labeled as the unforgotten disease! This is a very accurate description, of what I am now experiencing in life at 69 years of age ! I thank you again! Sincerely Carolyn L Harris,

allysweets

Bless everyone here making comments about having polio and post-polio syndrome. What an awful and life changing condition 🙏

PlayerMCDolin

Keith Richard Mears, you are blessed. My husband began experiencing problems while in his late 50's. He was in his early 70's when he died. He narrowly avoided an iron lung at age 4. Sister Mary's treatment saved him.