Post-polio syndrome – symptoms, causes and treatment

What is post-polio syndrome?

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a rare and difficult to understand neurological disease that affects people who have had a history of polio infection, i.e. poliomyelitis. This disease often develops several or even several dozen years after poliovirus infection. Even though polio has been eradicated thanks to vaccinations, post-polio syndrome is still a challenge for many people.

Post-polio – causes

The causes of post-polio syndrome are not fully understood, but there are several theories about its development. The most important of them is that after polio virus infection, the body compensates to some extent for the loss of nerves that were destroyed by the virus. However, years later, these compensatory mechanisms may weaken, leading to symptoms of post-polio syndrome.

Post-polio – symptoms

Symptoms of post-polio syndrome can vary and vary depending on the severity of the disease. The most common symptoms are:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Breathing problems
• Fatigue
• Gait problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sleep disorders

These symptoms can lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients and make everyday activities difficult.

Post-polio – treatment

Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for post-polio syndrome. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life. Here are some of the available therapies:

• Physiotherapy: Helps maintain muscle strength and improve motor function.
• Occupational therapy: Helps patients cope with daily activities.
• Pain relievers: Can help relieve muscle and joint pain.
• Ventilator: If breathing is difficult, some patients may require respiratory support.

It is also worth remembering about appropriate medical care and regular check-ups with specialists who can monitor the progression of the disease and adjust the therapy.

Your suggestions

If you suspect you have post-polio syndrome or know someone who may be affected by the disease, it is important to consult a neurologist. Early diagnosis and appropriate symptom management can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about post-polio syndrome, we recommend reading other articles on the subject and consulting a specialist who can provide detailed information and help in treating this disease.

It is also worth following progress in research into post-polio syndrome and being aware of available treatments and support for patients.

It is worth emphasizing that post-polio syndrome is a difficult disease that affects the lives of many people. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate steps to improve patients’ quality of life and provide them with appropriate medical care.