POLIO SURVIVORS

Post-polio syndrome

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) affects polio survivors years after their recovery. It usually causes gradual new weakness in muscles that were affected before, and sometimes in muscles that seemed unaffected.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of PPS? 

  • Slowly worsening muscle weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle shrinkage (atrophy)
  • Joint pain and skeletal changes such as scoliosis, which can appear first
Symptoms vary widely from person to person.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Understanding PPS

  • The cause is unknown. One idea is that nerve cells that survived the original infection sprouted extra connections to muscles, and these connections slowly wear out over time.

    • Confirmed past paralytic polio

    • A period of recovery followed by stable function, usually 15 years or more

    • Gradual new, lasting weakness or fatigue for at least a year

    • Other causes ruled out. There is no single lab test.

  • There is no cure and no medication that reverses it, but symptoms can be managed. See a doctor experienced in neuromuscular conditions.

  • Exact numbers are unknown. US estimates suggest 25 to 50 percent of polio survivors may be affected.

    • Safe and helpful when prescribed and monitored by experienced professionals

    • Endurance training generally helps more than heavy strengthening

    • Pace activity and conserve energy

    • Stop or reduce if new weakness or excessive fatigue appears