INFORMATION ON POST-POLIO SYNDROME

Post-polio syndrome is a condition that affects polio survivor’s years after recovery from an initial acute attack of the poliomyelitis virus. Post-polio syndrome is mainly characterized by new weakening in muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection and in muscles that seemingly were unaffected. The inflammatory process leads to destruction of muscle tissue, and is accompanied by weakness and sometimes pain. In 1952 Post-polio syndrome reached its peak in the United States with more than 21,000 paralytic cases

SYNONYMS OF POST-POLIO SYNDROME

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Diverticulum.
2. Abdominal pain.
3. Chronic diverticular disease.
4. Colonic motility disorders.

CAUSES OF POST-POLIO SYNDROME

Main causes Post-Polio Syndrome are:

1 Immune system responds in a harmful manner to the rest of the body.
2 Viral illness causes.
3 Genetic predisposition.
4 Coxsackie B viruses.

SYMPTOMS OF POST-POLIO SYNDROME

Symptoms of Post-polio syndrome:

1. Fatigue.
2. Slowly progressive muscle weakness.
3. Muscular atrophy.
4. Joint pain.
5. Skeletal deformities.

DIAGNOSIS OF POST-POLIO SYNDROME

Test under diagnosis are:

1. Muscle biopsy Test.
2. Blood Test.
3. Inflammatory myopathies Test.
4. Electromyography.

TREATMENT OF POST-POLIO SYNDROME

Presently, no treatment is shown to be effective against the different forms of Post-Polio Syndrome. Some moderate success has been obtained with the combination of corticosteroids and methotrexate or human intravenous immunoglobulins . New therapeutic protocols are currently being under testing. Post-Polio Syndrome is commonly treated with corticosteroids . Potential side effects of corticosteroids are increased appetite, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, easy bruising, and stomach upset. Longer term use of corticosteroids can lower your resistance to infection, as well as cause stomach ulcers, muscle weakness, and bone thinning. Different therapeutic alternatives can be attempted with immunosuppressants, notably azathioprine, methotrexate and intravenous immunoglobulins Doctors recommend that polio survivors follow standard healthy lifestyle practices: consuming a well-balanced diet, exercising in moderation, and visiting a doctor regularly.