What you need to know about Post Polio Syndrome

The exact cause of PPS is unknown. Experts believe that PPS can develop as a result of stress on motor neurons from a previous polio infection. While you may recover from the original infection, you may still see a gradual deterioration in these neurons.

In the beginning, you may not have symptoms of nerve degeneration after polio because it is a slow process. This could explain why muscle weakness and other symptoms of PPS develop much later in life.

The symptoms of PPS can start up too 15 to 40 years after you have recovered from an initial poliovirus infection. Possible symptoms are:

Some people with PPS can only experience it minor symptoms. Others may have more serious problems with loss of muscle mass and function.

When to contact a doctor

Contact a doctor if you have unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or muscle weakness. If you have had polio, be sure to tell your doctor. You might consider PPS as a possible cause of your symptoms.

There is no single diagnostic tool that doctors use to diagnose PPS. A doctor will first perform a physical exam to assess your muscle size and strength, reflexes, and sensations. You can proceed with imaging and other tests if you:

A doctor will likely want to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as:

• recently operated
• acute injury
• a general lack of physical activity for other reasons

A doctor must also rule out neurological disorders and skeletal abnormalities.

A doctor may use any of the following tests to diagnose PPS:

• CT scan of the spinal cord
• MRI, which also provides detailed images of the spine
• Analysis of spinal fluid to rule out other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis
• Muscle biopsy, in which a small sample of muscle tissue is taken and sent to a laboratory for further analysis
• electrophysiological examination to assess nerve and muscle function

There is currently no known treatment for PPS. damage to the affected neurons irreversible.

But there are steps you can take to manage the symptoms of PPS. These steps can help improve your mobility and overall ability to complete everyday tasks.

For example, you may consider using mobility aids such as orthotics. Mechanical gripping tools can help make your daily routine easier and less tiring.

While there is no drug specifically approved for PPS, there is a doctor can recommend over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. These can help relieve pain and discomfort in your muscles, joints, and spine.

In addition, a doctor may recommend individual or family counseling to help you cope with some of the changes you experience with PPS. You can also consider a support group to connect with others who are having similar experiences.

Lifestyle and Diet with Post-Polio Syndrome

If a family doctor diagnoses PPS, they may refer you to a neuromuscular specialist, such as a neurologist. A specialist can offer specific lifestyle and dietary changes to aid in PPS management.

Possibilities include:

Some people with PPS recovered without long-term complications. Others may experience more serious complications, including:

PPS can also cause respiratory failure. Around 27% to 36% of people with a previous polio infection have breathing problems such as shortness of breath or sleep apnea.

It’s rare to develop life-threatening complications from PPS. But if you develop muscle atrophy or long-term weakness from PPS, it could affect your mobility and overall ability to complete everyday tasks on your own.

Your outlook may depend on how severe your original polio symptoms were. According to that National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokea more severe case of polio when you were younger can lead to more severe PPS.

Only people who have previously had poliovirus infection develop PPS.

Experts don’t fully understand why some people who have had polio develop PPS and others don’t. Studies have shown that the following factors can increase your risk of PPS:

• a more severe case of acute polio
• older age at onset of first polio infection
• assigned female at birth
• Use of mechanical ventilation during initial infection
• high level of physical activity

Due to the unpredictability of PPS, there is no known way to prevent it. But you can make sure you speak to a doctor if you have possible PPS symptoms.

The sooner a doctor diagnoses PPS, the sooner you can take steps to treat it.

Is Post Polio Syndrome contagious?

no While the polio virus itself is extremely contagiousPPS is Not contagious. It occurs years after the active phase of the viral infection. If you have PPS, you cannot transfer it to someone else.

How many people who survive polio will get post-polio syndrome?

PPS is relatively common in polio survivors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 25% to 40% of people who survive polio infection develop PPS. Some estimates go as high as 85%.

Is Post Polio Syndrome Life-Threatening?

Unlike polio, PPS not ordinary life threatening. However, PPS can pose other risks to your mobility that can limit daily movements and affect your overall quality of life.

PPS is a condition that develops several years—usually decades—after you recover from polio infection. While the severity of symptoms can vary, it is possible to experience significant muscle loss and general weakness.

While the exact cause of PPS is unknown, research is ongoing to discover specific risk factors, including possible immunological links. This could mean earlier detection of PPS and possible treatments in the future.