Post-polio syndrome (2024)

FAQs

What is the life expectancy of someone with post-polio syndrome? ›

In most cases, post-polio syndrome life expectancy is good. PPS is rarely life-threatening, though symptoms can vary from mild to severe. If you have PPS, talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition.

Muscle and joint weakness and pain that gets worse over time. Feeling easily fatigued and exhausted. Losing muscle tissue (atrophy) Breathing or swallowing problems.

About 15%–80% of 20 million polio survivors worldwide will experience exacerbation of symptoms which typically appear 15–30 years after the resolution of initial poliomyelitis. Symptoms include new muscle weakness, fatigue, myalgia, joint pain, dysphagia, and difficulty breathing.

Postpolio sequelae may effectively alter the ability of these individuals to continue functioning at the same level they maintained for years following their initial polio infection. '" So, SSA can and does grant SSDI for polio survivors.

Physical symptoms may emerge 15 years or more after the first polio infection. These new symptoms are called the 'late effects of polio'. They include new muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain and fatigue.

Scientists don't yet know the cause of post-polio syndrome. One theory is that it could be due to the recovery from the initial polio infection. During recovery from polio, nerve cells (neurons) in the affected muscles may regrow many smaller branches (dendrites) from the large branches (axons) of nerve cells.

The hallmark of post-polio syndrome is new muscular weakness. This may present as weakness in the arms, legs, or trunk or difficulty with swallowing, talking or breathing if the muscles that control these functions are affected. Other symptoms of post-polio syndrome include muscle pain, fatigue and cold intolerance.

a neurologist – a specialist in problems affecting the nervous system. a respiratory consultant – a specialist in problems affecting breathing. a consultant in rehabilitation – a specialist in managing complex disabilities. a physiotherapist – who helps people improve their range of movement and co-ordination.

Any combination of limbs may experience paralysis. But paralysis of one leg is most common, followed by paralysis of one arm. Depending on the severity of disease, other signs or symptoms may include: Paralysis of muscles involved in breathing.

This can be physical fatigue (tiredness) and brain fatigue. Brain fatigue can cause problems with concentration, attention and memory. MRI scans can show white spots in the brains of polio survivors which may be related to brain fatigue. The symptoms can gradually get worse over many years.

How do you live with post-polio syndrome? ›

Here are some treatment options that may help manage your post-polio syndrome symptoms: Energy conservation. This involves pacing your physical activity and resting frequently to reduce fatigue. Assistive devices — such as a cane, walker, wheelchair or motor scooter — can help you conserve energy.

PPS is not life threatening. The only concern is in patients left with sever respiratory difficulties, who may experience new respiratory impairment and infections. Breathing problems and lung infections in polio survivors need to be addressed quickly.

Some people with post-polio syndrome find they become very sensitive to cold temperatures or a sudden drop in temperature. This may be as a result of poor blood supply.

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by recrudescence or worsening of motor neuron disease symptoms decades after recovery from acute paralytic poliovirus infection, i.e., poliomyelitis.

Paul Richard Alexander (January 30, 1946 – March 11, 2024) was an American paralytic polio survivor, lawyer and writer. The last man to live in an iron lung, he contracted polio in 1952 at the age of six.

Over 12 million people, worldwide have been affected by polio as indicated by the CDC. There is no central system for reporting post-polio syndrome, but it is estimated that 300,000 individuals are survivors of polio in the United States and have mild to severe symptoms.