POST POLIO SYNDROME
Post polio syndrome is a "second" disability affecting a large
number of polio survivors. If you had polio and are experiencing unexplained
symptoms, you may have the late effects of polio, often referred to as post
polio syndrome.
Post polio symptoms can appear in the muscles that were affected at the
time polio was contracted or in previously unaffected areas. It can
appear at any time and is frequently triggered by a trauma such as surgery,
death in a family, emotional upheaval, or accident.
Reportedly, there are 1.6 million polio survivors in the United States,
many of whom will experience the late effects of polio.
UNDERSTAND THAT:
* Post polio syndrome is not a recurrence of the
virus
* The rate of decline can be very slow if properly treated
* Unexplained symptoms do not mean that you are imagining things
* It can strike 10-50 years after the polio attack
* Your participation in the treatment is a must
* Information and support are available
* Support groups are vital links to educational information
SYMPTOMS:
* Unaccustomed fatigue--either rapid muscle tiring or feelings of
total body
exhaustion
* New weakness in muscles--both
those originally affected and those
unaffected.
* Pain in muscles and/or joints
* Swallowing problems
* Breathing difficulties
* Weakness and muscle atrophy
* Function decline
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Non-recognition/denial of
* Muscle spasms/twitching
symptoms by medical professionals
* Sleep problems
As a first step, a general medical evaluation should be made to exclude
other conditions which may minic post polio syndrome. Further diagnosis
and treatment by a specialist may then be necessary. Some of the specialists
dealing with post polio syndrome are neurologists, pulmonologists, physiatrists
(physical therapy), and orthopedists. Easter Seals provides therapy
services and post polio support groups throughout the United States.
For more information please contact your local area Easter Seals
(Information provided by the Easter Seals)