by D. Vogt

Created on: August 04, 2010

Post-polio syndrome is a condition which afflicts, with greatly varying severity, up to half of all people who previously suffered from a polio infection, known as poliomyelitis. Often post-polio syndrome does not occur until many years after the initial infection, in middle or late middle age, and manifests as pain, fatigue, and weakness. Because the condition is normally non-lethal, treatment usually amounts to symptom relief.

- About Post-Polio Syndrome -

For much of the twentieth century, poliomyelitis was one of the most feared of all childhood diseases. Although only a small percentage of infections resulted in severe illness, among those cases, large numbers of people were left temporarily or permanently crippled by nerve damage. Fortunately, thanks to vaccines developed in the 1950s, polio has been essentially eradicated in the developed world, and a United Nations-sponsored vaccine program is making inroads in assisting developing countries with universal vaccination, as well. As polio is hopefully made extinct, post-polio syndrome cases will eventually tail off and cease as well.

However, for the time being, being one-quarter and one-half of previous polio sufferers eventually go on to suffer a related series of symptoms known as post-polio syndrome, characterized by weakness and pain, often in the parts of the body which suffered during the initial illness but sometimes also in areas that were seemingly never affected. The current theory is that this is not due to a new outbreak of the disease, but instead because nerve systems which were placed under excessive strain after the virus's attack are, years later, finally becoming exhausted from the extra effort placed on them during recovery.

- Relief of Post-Polio Syndrome -

Because post-polio syndrome is still not entirely well-understood, it is difficult to diagnose and cannot be effectively treated. When the condition occurs, the first objective usually is to relieve symptoms instead. Doctors will attempt to balance the need for extra rest, and possibly assistance from a cane, walker, or even wheel chair if necessary, with exercise to build up muscle strength and overcome the weakness. Where exercise is prescribed, it is important not to exercise excessively and therefore cause increased pain or fatigue.

In some cases, the new muscular difficulties will affect muscular systems other than those used in walking and arm movement. Breathing in general may also become more difficult if the respiratory system is affected. Alternatively, speech impairment may result, requiring that patients work with a speech therapist. According to the Mayo Clinic, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and other pain relief medications may be used to ease the symptoms as well. 

In general, because there is no cure for post-polio syndrome, the best that can be done is to manage weakness through an appropriate combination of rest and moderate exercise, to use mobility aids where necessary, and to manage pain through medication.

- Sources and More Information -

Mayo Clinic. "Post-Polio Syndrome: Treatments and Drugs."

National Health Service. "Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome - Treatment."

Post-Polio Health International. "Remember Polio?"

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