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Post-polio syndrome



NHS Choices Syndication

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Polio

Causes of post-polio syndrome

The exact cause of post-polio syndrome (PPS) is unknown. 

The main theory is that it may be caused by the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (motor neurones), which were damaged by the polio virus during a previous infection.

Motor neurone cells are used by your brain to send signals to your muscles. These cells are targeted by the polio virus.

A polio infection can damage motor neurone cells, leading to a shortage of motor neurones. To compensate for this shortage, the body will enlarge the remaining motor neurones, leading to a recovery of movement in the affected limbs.

It is thought that excessive prolonged use of these enlarged motor neurones may weaken them and the cells may start to break down over the course of many years. This is thought to lead to the muscle weakness, muscle wasting and fatigue associated with PPS.

This theory would also explain why PPS can take years to appear, and why it often has slow and progressive symptoms with periods where normal activity is possible.

Although PPS can only develop in people who have been infected with polio in the past, PPS itself is not contagious. A theory that the polio virus may lie dormant in your body after the original infection, causing PPS when it becomes reactivated at a later stage, has been disproven.

Published Date
2014-01-09 15:50:34Z
Last Review Date
2013-11-14 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-11-14 00:00:00Z
Classification
Poliomyelitis


NHS Choices Syndication

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Polio

Diagnosing post-polio syndrome

It can be difficult to diagnose post-polio syndrome (PPS) because there are no tests to definitively confirm a diagnosis, and PPS may initially be mistaken for other conditions.

Your GP may suspect PPS based on your medical history and the results of a physical examination. For example, PPS may be suspected if you know you have had polio in the past and you’ve had a long period without symptoms (usually at least 15 years) after the initial infection.

Your GP will also ask you when you first noticed your symptoms. The symptoms of PPS usually develop gradually, so if your symptoms developed suddenly, they may be the result of a different condition.

As the symptoms of PPS are similar to those of several other conditions, such as arthritis, your GP will try to rule out any other possible causes of your illness. You may have to undergo a series of tests or procedures, depending on what your GP suspects could be causing your illness.

For example, you may have a blood test. Someone with PPS will usually have normal blood test results, but an abnormal result is a strong indication that your symptoms are being caused by a different condition.

You may also have X-rays of your chest and spine or joints.

Referral to a specialist

If your GP is still unsure whether you have PPS after these tests, you may be referred to a hospital consultant for further testing.

Tests you may have to rule out other conditions, or to confirm the likelihood of PPS, include:  

  • electromyography (EMG) tests to determine whether polio has damaged your nerves and muscles (an EMG measures the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves)
  • sleep studies if you are having problems sleeping or are feeling unusually tired
  • tests to check your heart rate and function
  • a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a type of imaging scan that can look inside your spine
  • lung function tests to measure how well you can breathe in and out
  • tests to investigate swallowing problems

It is possible to have PPS as well as other conditions, so not every health problem or symptom you experience may be related to the condition.

Published Date
2014-01-09 12:29:13Z
Last Review Date
2013-11-14 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-11-14 00:00:00Z
Classification
Poliomyelitis


NHS Choices Syndication

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Polio

Introduction

While polio is essentially a disease of the past, an increasing number of people who have had polio are developing a condition called post-polio syndrome (PPS).

PPS is a poorly understood condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, muscle weakness and fatigue.

About polio

Polio was very common in the past. It affected children worldwide, causing paralysis and death. In the UK, there was a widespread outbreak of polio during the 1940s and early 1950s.

Since routine polio vaccination was introduced in 1956, the number of polio cases has dramatically reduced. The last case of natural polio infection acquired in the UK was in 1984.

About 40 cases of polio have been reported in the UK since then, but these were thought to have been acquired abroad or occurred as a very rare side effect of the attenuated polio vaccine (containing the live virus) that was routinely used up until 2004.

There are now only three countries where the condition remains a widespread problem. These are Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

There is no cure for polio, so it is important to prevent it from occurring by making sure your child receives all their necessary vaccinations. Read more about childhood vaccinations.

Post-polio syndrome (PPS)

It is estimated that there are around 120,000 people living in the UK who survived polio when they were younger. Some of these have, or will, develop a condition called post-polio syndrome (PPS).

Only people who have had polio can develop PPS, but it’s not known exactly how many polio survivors are affected. Estimates vary from as low as 25% of those who have had polio to as high as 80%.

PPS takes decades to develop after the initial polio infection, taking an average of 30 years for symptoms to become noticeable.

The symptoms of PPS usually develop gradually and can include:

  • increasing muscle weakness
  • fatigue
  • muscle and joint pain
  • breathing or sleeping problems
  • sensitivity to the cold

Although PPS is rarely life threatening, it can greatly interfere with everyday life, making it difficult to get around or carry out some tasks and activities.

Read more about the symptoms of PPS and diagnosing PPS.

What causes post-polio syndrome?

The exact cause of PPS is unknown. However, the main theory is that PPS is the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (called motor neurones) that were damaged by the polio virus. This would also explain why PPS can take years to appear.

PPS is not contagious, and the theory that the polio virus may lay dormant in your system after the original infection, causing PPS when reactivated, has been disproven.

In recent years, PPS has become more common in the UK, largely because of the high number of polio cases during the 1940s and 1950s. However, as polio is no longer naturally active in the UK, PPS should become much rarer in the future.

Read more about the causes of PPS.

How post-polio syndrome is treated

Although there is currently no cure for PPS, a range of treatments and support is available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Some of the ways that symptoms of PPS may be managed include:

  • physical therapy known as “pacing” to help recognise and manage fatigue
  • mobility aids, such as walking sticks or scooters
  • weight control and healthy eating to avoid putting unnecessary strain on muscles and joints
  • painkilling medication to help relieve any muscle or joint pain
  • discussing the psychological impact, which might be with your GP, on an online forum, or in a local support group

Read more about treating PPS.

Published Date
2014-09-12 13:19:42Z
Last Review Date
2013-11-14 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-11-14 00:00:00Z
Classification
Poliomyelitis


NHS Choices Syndication

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Polio

See what the doctor sees with Map of Medicine

The Map of Medicine is used by doctors throughout the NHS to determine the best treatment options for their patients. NHS Choices offers everyone in England exclusive and free access to this cutting-edge internet resource, which lets you see exactly what your doctor sees.

The information in the Map has been approved by the UK’s leading clinical experts, is based on the best available clinical evidence, and is continually updated. To take advantage of this unique resource go to:

Map of Medicine: post polio syndrome

Published Date
2013-12-17 12:25:50Z
Last Review Date
2009-12-30 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2011-12-30 00:00:00Z
Classification


NHS Choices Syndication

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Polio

Symptoms of post-polio syndrome

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) can cause a wide range of symptoms that can have a serious effect on everyday life.

Common symptoms of PPS

Fatigue

Fatigue is the most common symptom of PPS. It can take many forms in people with the condition, including:

  • muscle fatigue  where your muscles feel very tired and heavy, particularly after physical activity
  • general fatigue  where you feel an overwhelming sense of physical exhaustion, as if you have not slept for days
  • mental fatigue  where you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate, have problems remembering things and make mistakes that you would not usually make

The fatigue experienced by people with PPS is usually worse in the early afternoon and improves with rest or brief naps.

Muscle weakness

Increasing muscle weakness is another common symptom of PPS. It can be easy to confuse muscle weakness with muscle fatigue, but they are different.

Muscle weakness means that you are increasingly unable to use affected muscles, whether you feel fatigued or not. Weakness can occur in muscles that were previously affected by an active polio infection, as well as in muscles that were not previously affected.

There may also be associated shrinking of affected muscles, known as atrophy.

Muscle and joint pain

Muscle and joint pain are also common in PPS. Muscle pain is usually felt as a deep ache in the muscles or muscle cramps and spasms.

The pain is often worse after you have used the affected muscles. It can be particularly troublesome during the evening after a day’s activities.

Joint pain is similar to arthritis and consists of soreness, stiffness and a reduced range of movement.

Associated symptoms

As well as the common symptoms of PPS, several associated symptoms can arise from the combination of fatigue, muscle weakness and muscle and joint pain.

Weight gain

Because of the common symptoms mentioned above, most people with PPS become less physically active than they used to be.

This can often lead to weight gain and, in some cases, obesity. This in turn can make any fatigue, muscle weakness and pain worse.

Walking difficulties

As well as weight gain, the combination of fatigue, weakness and pain can lead to walking difficulties and increasing difficulty with mobility.

Many people with PPS will require a walking aid such as crutches or a cane at some stage, and some people may eventually need to use a wheelchair.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea affects many people with PPS. It is a condition in which the muscles in your throat relax during sleep, which can lead to problems sleeping.

Once the muscles relax, the airway in your throat can narrow or become totally blocked. This interrupts the oxygen supply to your body, which triggers your brain to pull you out of deep sleep so that your airway can be reopened and you can breathe normally.

Swallowing problems

Weakness in the muscles you use for chewing and swallowing may lead to problems swallowing (dysphagia), such as choking or gagging when you try to swallow.

You may experience changes in your voice and speech, such as hoarseness, low volume or a nasal-sounding voice, particularly after you have been speaking for a while or when you are tired. 

Swallowing problems are usually mild and progress very slowly. A speech and language therapist may be able to help.

Sensitivity to cold

Some people with PPS find that they become very sensitive to cold temperatures or a sudden drop in temperature as a result of poor blood supply.

Because of this intolerance to cold, people with PPS may need to wear extra layers of clothing to try to stay comfortable.

Published Date
2014-01-09 12:33:43Z
Last Review Date
2013-11-14 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-11-14 00:00:00Z
Classification
Joint pain,Muscle pain and strain,Muscle weakness,Muscle, ligament and joint symptoms,Poliomyelitis,Symptoms and signs,Tiredness,Weight gain


NHS Choices Syndication

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Polio

Treating post-polio syndrome

There is currently no cure for post-polio syndrome (PPS), so treatment focuses on helping you manage your symptoms and improving your quality of life.

People with PPS are often treated by a team of different healthcare professionals working together. This is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Members of your MDT may include:

  • a neurologist – a specialist in problems affecting the nervous system
  • a respiratory consultant – a specialist in problems affecting breathing
  • a health visitor
  • a social worker
  • a physiotherapist – who helps people improve their range of movement and co-ordination
  • a speech and language therapist – who can help people with swallowing difficulties
  • an occupational therapist – who helps people improve the skills needed for daily activities, such as washing and dressing
  • a mobility specialist – who can give advice about mobility aids, such as walking sticks and wheelchairs

Pacing

An effective way to manage fatigue and pain is a type of physical therapy known as pacing. This involves recognising when you become exhausted doing certain activities and learning to stop and rest before you reach that point again. Activities are therefore broken up into smaller ones with rests in between.

By stopping before you are tired, you may be able to accomplish more activities over the space of a day than if you tried to do things without taking a break.

If you switch between several different jobs or repetitive activities, you will be using different muscles and resting others. If a job cannot be broken up, it may need to be done a completely different way. You may need help from another person, or you may realise that the job was not necessary after all.

For example, several smaller trips to a supermarket may be easier than one large shop. If driving to the supermarket and back is tiring, you may consider having home deliveries.

Many people with PPS find it difficult adapting to pacing. This is because when they had polio as a child, they were encouraged to “use it or lose it”. In other words, they were told to make every effort to use their muscles, even if it caused pain and fatigue.

Nowadays, the advice is the exact opposite. For some people, this can be difficult to accept or adapt to. One way of thinking about pacing is “conserve it and preserve it”. If you make effective and efficient use of your strength and muscle function, they will last longer.

Medication

While pain and fatigue can often be reduced using pacing, various medications to help relieve pain are available if you need them. These include over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen, and stronger anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates.

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies should not be used on a long-term basis without discussion with your GP. This is because some of them can cause complications, such as stomach ulcers, if taken over long periods.

Opiates, such as codeine, may cause drowsiness or depressed breathing (slow, shallow breathing) as well as other side effects, including constipation.

While it is not usually considered as an initial option, you may want to discuss taking gabapentin with your GP. Gabapentin is a medication that was originally developed for epilepsy, but it has also proved useful for people with PPS pain when other types of painkillers have not helped.

If you are taking medication to control your pain, you may not be aware of damage that could be caused to your muscles and joints by too much activity. It’s therefore important to stick to your pacing regimen, even if you do not feel fatigued or in pain.

Mobility aids

Mobility aids may make it possible to do many of the activities that were becoming difficult or impossible.

Many mobility aids are available free on the NHS. Before you contact your local supplier, it is important to have an idea of what is available. You can get help with this from disabled living centres (DLCs). Read more about accessing equipment through the NHS.

DLCs have exhibitions of products and equipment. This gives people an opportunity to see and try them, and get information and advice from professional staff about what might suit them best. The contact details of all the DLCs in England are available on the Assist UK website.

Mobility aids that may be of benefit to people with PPS include:

  • braces that can support weakened muscles and joints, as well as improving posture and preventing falls
  • canes and waking sticks
  • electric scooters
  • wheelchairs

Weight control and healthy eating

Being overweight can put further strain on weakened muscles and will not help your energy levels or general health. Losing weight, if you need to, can help reduce your PPS symptoms.

While regular exercise is a good way of controlling your weight, it may not be possible because of your physical condition.

Following a sensible healthy eating plan will help you reduce and control your weight, as well as improve your health. It is important to eat a healthy balanced diet, including foods that provide energy that is released slowly over long periods.

Trying new foods, new food combinations or new ways of cooking to widen the variety of tastes and textures and stimulate the appetite can be an enjoyable way to lose weight and improve your health. If necessary, your GP can refer you to a dietitian.

You can also apply the pacing principles mentioned above to eating and cooking. For example, it may help to:

  • plan your meals in advance
  • break down cooking tasks into smaller, more manageable ones
  • use days when you have more energy to prepare food and cook extra amounts to freeze for less energetic days
  • use cookery books that contain simple, healthy meals that are quick to prepare, such as pasta or salads
  • use kitchen equipment, such as food processors, microwaves and slow cookers, that can help you save time and energy 
  • try ready meals and tinned and packet foods if you feel too tired to cook a meal from scratch, although you should avoid eating these too often as they are usually high in salt, sugars and fats, and low in vitamins and minerals

Managing the psychological impact of PPS

PPS can often have a significant psychological impact. The symptoms of PPS can be distressing, and developing PPS can often bring back painful childhood memories of living with polio.

It can often feel very cruel that having struggled to overcome a polio infection during childhood, you’re affected by polio again. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, isolation and stress, which can sometimes trigger depression.

If you have been feeling very down during the past month and you no longer take pleasure in things that you used to enjoy, you may be depressed. If this is the case, see your GP. They may recommend medication or a “talking therapy”, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

It’s important not to neglect your mental wellbeing. Aside from the adverse effect on your quality of life, feelings of depression and anxiety can interfere with your treatment.

You may find it useful to talk to other people who are living with PPS. The British Polio Fellowship website has an online forum as well as details of useful organisations for people with PPS.

Published Date
2014-01-09 12:25:08Z
Last Review Date
2013-11-14 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-11-14 00:00:00Z
Classification
Aches, pains and soreness,Disability (living with),Healthy eating,Mobility aids,Poliomyelitis,Weight management

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