Post-polio syndrome overview: Difference between revisions
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The precise mechanism that causes post-polio syndrome is unknown. It shares many features in common with [[myalgic encephalomyelitis]], a form of [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] that is apparently caused by viral infections, but unlike those disorders it tends to be progressive, and can cause tangible loss of muscle strength. | The precise mechanism that causes post-polio syndrome is unknown. It shares many features in common with [[myalgic encephalomyelitis]], a form of [[chronic fatigue syndrome]] that is apparently caused by viral infections, but unlike those disorders it tends to be progressive, and can cause tangible loss of muscle strength. | ||
Treatment generally is limited to supportive measures, primarily [[leg braces]] and energy-saving devices such as powered wheelchairs, plus pain relievers, sleep aids, etc. | Treatment generally is limited to supportive measures, primarily [[leg braces]] and energy-saving devices such as powered wheelchairs, plus pain relievers, sleep aids, etc. | ||
==Diagnosis== | |||
Diagnosis of post-polio syndrome can be difficult, since the symptoms are hard to separate from the original symptoms of polio and from the normal infirmities of [[Senescence|aging]]. There is no laboratory test for post-polio syndrome, nor is there any other specific diagnostic, and diagnosis is usually a "diagnosis of exclusion" whereby other possible causes of the symptoms are eliminated.<ref name=Silver_2003>{{cite book | author = Silver JK, Gawne AC | title = Postpolio Syndrome | publisher = Hanley & Belfus | location = Philadelphia | year = 2003 | isbn = 1560536063 }}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 18:01, 7 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects survivors of poliomyelitis, a viral infection of the nervous system, after recovery from an initial paralytic attack of the virus. Typically the symptoms appear 20-40 years after the original infection, at an age of 35 to 60. Symptoms include new or increased muscular weakness, pain in the muscles, and fatigue.[1]
The precise mechanism that causes post-polio syndrome is unknown. It shares many features in common with myalgic encephalomyelitis, a form of chronic fatigue syndrome that is apparently caused by viral infections, but unlike those disorders it tends to be progressive, and can cause tangible loss of muscle strength.
Treatment generally is limited to supportive measures, primarily leg braces and energy-saving devices such as powered wheelchairs, plus pain relievers, sleep aids, etc.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of post-polio syndrome can be difficult, since the symptoms are hard to separate from the original symptoms of polio and from the normal infirmities of aging. There is no laboratory test for post-polio syndrome, nor is there any other specific diagnostic, and diagnosis is usually a "diagnosis of exclusion" whereby other possible causes of the symptoms are eliminated.[2]