Post-polio syndrome

Description Post-polio syndrome...

Description

Post-polio syndrome is the development of muscle weakness 10-20 years after an initial polio infection. Polio is a virus that affects the nervous system and can result in paralysis. It is not known how many patients who had polio will develop post-polio syndrome but it is estimated that sixty percent of significantly paralyzed polio patients will. People are usually affected in middle age or later in life.

Symptoms

Symptoms include muscle pain, weakness, twitching and spasms. Additional symptoms may include trouble talking, swallowing, breathing and sleeping.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. There is no specific test for post-polio syndrome. The diagnosis is usually made with a thorough history that documents a previous polio infection with a period of recovery. An EMG may also be used to help make the diagnosis. Lab and imaging tests may also be used if the diagnosis is unclear.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electromyography (EMG), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Other Specific Tests: Creatine kinase

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Family Practice, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)

Treatment

Therapy depends on the severity of symptoms. Treatment is usually performed by a multi-disciplinary team that may include physical/occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiatrists and neurologists. Certain medications may be prescribed to treat pain, spasms, insomnia and depression.