Polio
Polio is a viral infection that used to be common in the UK but is now rare.
Most people who had polio would have fought off the infection without even realising they were infected.
Some people with polio would have had paralysis, muscle weakness and shrinking of the muscles. But usually, these problems would have either gone away over the following weeks or months or remained the same for years afterwards.
Post-Polio Syndrome is where some of these symptoms return or get worse many years or decades after the original polio infection.
Symptoms
Post-Polio Syndrome can include a wide range of symptoms that develop gradually over time, including:
• persistent fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• muscle weakness
• shrinking muscles
• muscle and joint pain
• sleep apnoea
The condition can have a significant impact on everyday life, making it very difficult to get around and carry out certain tasks and activities. The symptoms tend to get gradually worse over many years, but this happens very slowly and treatment may help slow it down further.
Post-Polio Syndrome is rarely life-threatening, although some people develop breathing and swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious problems, such as chest infections.
Cause
The exact cause of Post-Polio Syndrome is unclear. It’s not known whether anything can be done to prevent it.
The leading theory is that it’s the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (motor neurones) that were damaged by the polio virus. This would explain why the condition can take years to appear.
Post-Polio Syndrome isn’t contagious. The theory that the polio virus may lie dormant in your body, causing Post-Polio Syndrome when it becomes reactivated at a later stage, has been disproven.
It’s not clear why only some people who’ve had polio develop Post-Polio Syndrome. Those who had severe polio when they were younger may be more likely to develop the condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made by a clinician based upon the history, examination and symptoms described during a consultation.
Treatment
There’s currently no cure for Post-Polio Syndrome, but support and a range of treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Some of the ways that symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome may be managed include:
• Rest and exercise – such as learning to stop activities before becoming exhausted
• 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 muscle or joint pain
• Psychological support – such as discussions with a GP, on an online forum, or in a local support group
Selfcare and more information
The British Polio Fellowship have lots of useful resources on their website. This includes information about post-polio syndrome and factsheets.
They have also designed a hospital form to enable you to best present your medical needs to any doctor, nurse or paramedic in case of an emergency. It is advised that all who are affected by polio and PPS fill in this form and keep it ready in case needed.
Waiting for a specialist opinion
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found using the links below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended your information will be sent to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.