Post-Polio Syndrome

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 of PPS may occur anywhere from 10 to 40 years after the initial polio attack. It may slowly progress for up to ten years.

Causes

The exact cause of PPS is unknown. It is not due to renewed progression of the original polio infection. However, long-term damage to nerve and muscle cells caused by the polio infection may contribute to the development of PPS.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The only risk factor for PPS is a previous polio attack.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Slowly progressive muscle weakness
  • Muscular atrophy
  • Muscle spasms
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Skeletal deformities, such as scoliosis
  • Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or sleeping
    Intolerance to heat or cold
  • Speech problems
The severity of the initial polio attack may indicate how severe the symptoms of PPS will be.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a neuromuscular exam. PPS may be hard to diagnose because symptoms come and go, and overlap with other diseases.
Testing often involves electromyelography. This measures electrical activity in affected muscles. Other, less common tests may include:
  • MRI Scan – a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
  • Muscle Biopsy – removal of a sample of muscle tissue for testing
  • Spinal Tap – insertion of a needle between the vertebrae in the lower back to remove cerebrospinal fluid for testing

Treatment

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. The goals of treatment are to:
  • Prevent overuse of weak muscles
  • Prevent disuse atrophy and weakness
  • Protect joints left vulnerable from weak muscles
  • Maximize function
  • Minimize discomfort
Treatment may include:
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Assistive devices
  • Weight loss, if overweight
  • Medication to relieve muscle spasms and pain
  • Occasionally, surgery to correct deformities that interfere with function

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing PPS. However, polio survivors who keep physically fit are probably at reduced risk.