Post Polio Syndrome Post Polio Syndrome Postpolio syndrome

Post Polio Syndrome

Post Polio Syndrome �Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is the name given to the late effects of poliomyelitis. �Polio is a viral infection, which attacks some of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and results in muscular paralysis. �Decades after having survived polio, 20 to 40 percent of these individuals are experiencing fatigue, new muscle weakness, and loss of functional abilities (Halstead and Naierman, 1998).

�PPS was first described and recognized as a clinical entity in 1972 when Mulder and colleagues published criteria for its diagnosis. �That criteria generally consist of having had polio based on history, a positive neurologic exam or electromyogram (EMG), a period of relative stability lasting at least 15 years, and development of new neurologic weakness unexplained by any other pathology.

�The severity of PPS is related to the severity of the original polio infection. �If a person had a mild case of polio, the PPS is also going to be mild. �Conversely, if a person had a severe case that required use of an iron lung

Clinical Features : Fatigue � New weakness �Pain �Cold intolerance �Decreased function

Medical Management � Medications for fatigue have not been proven effective in patients with post polio syndrome. � Prednisone has not been shown to improve strength or treat fatigue (Dalabs, 1999). � Lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, exercise in moderation, positive pressure ventilation, treatment for sleep apnea, and staying warm are all recommendations that might be made to an individual with PPS. � Managing the signs and symptoms of the syndrome for each individual in order to improve quality of life. � As both joint and muscle pain are associated with a reduction in quality of life physical therapy has quite a lot to offer a person with PPS.

Physical Therapy Management �Goals for physical therapy management of the individual with PPS are to: �Decrease workload on muscles �Avoid fatigue �Manage pain �Ambulate safely �Achieve an optimal level of functional independence �Educate the patient and family

Assistive technology �Walking aids �Orthotic supports �Self help devices �Wheeled mobility

Surgical management �Contracture management �Deformity correction � Tendon transfer

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