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$Unique_ID{BRK04133}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Post-Polio Syndrome}
$Subject{Post-Polio Syndrome Polio, Late Effects Post-Polio Muscular Atrophy
Post-Polio Sequelae Poliomyelitis (Infantile Paralysis)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1987, 1989, 1991, 1992 National Organization for Rare
Disorders, Inc.
476:
Post-Polio Syndrome
** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Post-Polio Syndrome) is not
the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to
find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by
this article.
Synonyms
Polio, Late Effects
Post-Polio Muscular Atrophy
Post-Polio Sequelae
Information on the following disorder can be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:
Poliomyelitis (Infantile Paralysis)
General Discussion
** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.
Post-Polio Syndrome is characterized by a history of Poliomyelitis at
least ten years previously, and partial recovery of function followed by
development of progressive weakness in previously affected muscles for which
there is no other definite cause.
Symptoms
Post-Polio Syndrome occurs at least 10 years after a person has been stricken
by polio. It is characterized by gradual deterioration of muscle function
and increased weakness which usually occurs in the limbs that had been most
severely affected by polio. Sometimes the disorder involves those muscles
apparently fully recovered or previously uninvolved, including muscles
necessary for respiration. Other symptoms may include fatigue, muscle pain
and twitching (fasciculations). (For more information on this disorder, see
"A Fearful Reminder Stalks Polio's Survivors" and "What Is Polio?" in the
Prevalent Health Conditions/Concerns area of NORD Services.)
Causes
The exact cause of Post-Polio syndrome has not yet been identified. Theories
that the dormant polio virus may be reactivated years after polio first
occurs are now the most popular theories. Other theories that Post-Polio
patients appear to be aging more rapidly in certain parts of their central
nervous system than their peers are also unproven. Recently, scientists
determined that Post-Polio Syndrome is not a form of Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS). (For more information on this disorder, choose ALS as your
search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
In a 1987 study of Post-Polio Syndrome patients, scientists found
evidence that nerve cells in affected muscles may grow many small sprouts
from the message-transmitting axons of healthy nerve cells during recovery
from polio. These sprouts take over the function of neurons killed by the
polio virus. After years of functioning beyond capacity, the nerve cells can
weaken and lose the ability to maintain these sprouts, which then begin to
shrink, and the whole muscle becomes weaker. As a result of this discovery,
researchers hope to develop an experimental treatment that may improve
sprouting of the axons. Other studies, such as investigating the presence of
abnormal proteins in cerebrospinal fluid, and the effect of the polio virus
on nerve cells in muscle fibers of Post-Polio patients.
Affected Population
Post-Polio Syndrome affects about 20% of people who have recovered from
Poliomyelitis more than 10 years previously. Symptoms can appear 30 or more
years after onset of Polio.
Related Disorders
Symptoms of the following disorder are similar to those of Post-Polio
Syndrome. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:
Poliomyelitis (Infantile Paralysis or "Polio") is an acute virus
infection most often affecting children. It may occur in individual cases,
or in epidemic outbreaks. The disorder is caused by a virus that affects
parts of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Muscles no
longer receive strong nerve signals telling them how to move. The result is
paralysis that can be life threatening when it affects breathing and
swallowing. Painful muscle spasms in arms and legs may also occur. Recovery
from a serious bout with Polio is slow. Residual effects such as limb and
body weakness and paralysis can last a lifetime. The Salk and Sabin
vaccines, introduced in the 1950's and 1960's, have virtually eliminated Polio
in the United States and have greatly reduced its incidence throughout the
world. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that polio is almost
eradicated from the Western Hemisphere. In 1991 there were only nine cases
of polio identified in the Americas.
Therapies: Standard
People who had Polio before the polio vaccine was developed should be
evaluated to determine if they have Post-Polio Syndrome. This would include
comprehensive muscle testing and gait analysis plus a complete physical
examination. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, changes in braces,
and/or changes in diet may be helpful. Excess weight is particularly
disabling when muscles are weakened. Rehabilitation, rest and medication may
also be prescribed. Swimming is the best form of exercise for Post-Polio
patients, but other forms of exercise, not exceeding 5 to 20 minutes with
rest periods in between, may also be advised by a physician. Use of a
respirator such as a mouth intermittent positive pressure ventilation system
may be prescribed if breathing is affected.
Therapies: Investigational
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
September 1992. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to
keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and
accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for
the most current information about this disorder.
Resources
For more information on Post-Polio Syndrome, please contact:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783
(203) 746-6518
Post-Polio National, Inc.
(Post-Polio League for Information and Outreach)
3581 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 273-8171
Polio Information Center
510 Main Street, Suite A446
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
(212) 223-0353
British Polio Fellowship
Bell Close West End
Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 6LP
England
International Polio Network
5100 Oakland Ave., #206
St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A.
(314) 534-0475
Centers for Disease Control
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3534
For rehabilitation services contact:
National Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults
70 East Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 726-6200 (voice)
(312) 726-4258 (TDD)
References
MOUTH INTERMITTENT POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
POSTPOLIO RESPIRATORY INSUFFICIENCY: J.R. Bach, et al.; Chest (June 1987:
issue 91(6)). Pp. 859-864.
HANDBOOK OF THE LATE EFFECTS OF POLIOMYELITIS FOR PHYSICIANS AND
SURVIVORS: Gini Laurie, et al., ed.; G.I.N.I. 1984.
LATE EFFECTS OF POLIOMYELITIS: Lauro Halstead, et al., ed.; Symposia
Foundation, 1984.