Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a disorder of the nerves and muscles. It happens in some people many years after they have had polio. PPS may cause new muscle weakness that gets worse over time, pain in the muscles and joints, and tiredness. People with PPS often feel exhausted.
What is the difference between polio and post-polio syndrome?
Condition: Acute poliomyelitis is a virus that can invade the central nervous system and cause paralysis. Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a progressive disorder of the nerves and muscles that can occur in survivors of paralytic polio usually after 15 or more years.
What is the best definition for post-polio syndrome?
: a condition that affects former polio patients long after recovery from the disease and that is characterized by muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue The signs and symptoms of post-polio syndrome can include the onset of new muscle weakness in either affected or unaffected limbs.
Can you recover from post-polio syndrome?
There’s currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, so treatment focuses on helping you manage your symptoms and improving your quality of life. People with the condition are often treated by a team of different healthcare professionals working together. This is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Does post-polio syndrome affect memory?
There have been consistent reports of cognitive deficits (83) in PPS including word finding difficulties (84), poor concentration, limited attention, memory impairment (85), and mood disturbances (86). The non-motor aspects of PPS are often under evaluated despite their considerable quality of life implications (87).
What are long term effects of polio?
Between 5% and 10% of people who develop paralytic polio will die. 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.
What is the cure for post-polio?
There’s currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, so treatment focuses on helping you manage your symptoms and improving your quality of life. People with the condition are often treated by a team of different healthcare professionals working together.
What can you do for post-polio syndrome?
Treatment
Energy conservation. This involves pacing your physical activity and resting frequently to reduce fatigue.
Physical therapy. Your doctor or therapist may prescribe exercises for you that strengthen your muscles without fatiguing them.