POST-POLIO SYNDROME?

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Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a neurological condition that affects polio survivors, typically developing 15–40 years after the initial polio infection. It involves the gradual weakening of muscles that were previously affected by polio and can include fatigue, pain, and breathing issues.

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🧠 WHAT IS POST-POLIO SYNDROME?

• PPS occurs in individuals who previously recovered from poliomyelitis, a viral disease that damaged motor neurons.

• During recovery, surviving neurons took over extra work to compensate — but decades later, these overused neurons begin to deteriorate, causing new symptoms.

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🔍 SYMPTOMS OF POST-POLIO SYNDROME

Symptom	Description
Progressive muscle weakness	Especially in previously affected limbs
Severe fatigue	Not relieved by rest, often disabling
Muscle and joint pain	Especially in overused or weakened areas
Breathing or swallowing difficulties	If respiratory or bulbar muscles were affected
Cold intolerance	Affected muscles may feel colder or stiffer
Sleep disturbances	Due to pain, breathing issues, or muscle cramps
New muscle atrophy	Shrinking of previously functional muscles

Symptoms develop slowly and may fluctuate, but usually worsen gradually over time.

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⚠️ PPS IS NOT A POLIO RELAPSE

• It is not infectious.

• It does not indicate the polio virus is active again.

• It results from long-term overuse and decline of motor neurons that compensated for earlier loss.

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🧪 DIAGNOSIS OF PPS

PPS is a diagnosis of exclusion, based on history and ruling out other causes.

Step	Purpose
History & physical exam	Confirm previous polio and current symptoms
Electromyography (EMG)	Detects neuron and muscle damage
MRI or CT scans	Rule out spine or brain issues
Blood tests	Exclude other neurological conditions
Pulmonary function tests	If breathing is affected

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💊 TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed to improve quality of life.

🔹 1. Energy Conservation

Strategy	Example
Pacing	Rest breaks between tasks
Activity modification	Use assistive tools for daily living
Environment adaptation	Minimize steps, stairs, or physical strain

🔹 2. Physical Therapy

• Focuses on low-intensity, non-fatiguing exercise

• Avoid overuse of muscles

• Use of orthotic devices (braces, canes, walkers) as needed

🔹 3. Pain Management

Type	Options
Medication	NSAIDs, acetaminophen, sometimes anticonvulsants for nerve pain
Therapy	Massage, stretching, heat/cold therapy
Postural training	For joint/muscle support

🔹 4. Respiratory Support

• Breathing exercises

• CPAP or BiPAP machines (if nighttime hypoventilation)

• In severe cases, ventilatory support

🔹 5. Psychological Support

• Counseling or therapy for:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Body-image or independence issues

• Support groups for shared experience and coping strategies

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🧭 PROGNOSIS

• PPS is slowly progressive, but symptoms can plateau.

• With good management, most individuals maintain independence.

• Avoid overexertion to protect remaining muscle strength.