Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors anywhere from 15 to 40 years after recovery from an initial paralytic attack of the poliomyelitis virus. The syndrome is characterized by a further weakening of muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection. Symptoms may include fatigue, slowly progressive muscle weakness and, at times, muscular atrophy. Joint pain and skeletal deformities are also common. Some patients experience only minor symptoms, while others may develop spinal muscular atrophy.

The severity of PPS depends on the degree of the residual weakness and disability the patients have been left with after the original polio attack. Patients who had only minimal symptoms from the original attack and subsequently develop PPS will most likely experience only mild symptoms. People left with severe residual weakness after the original attack may develop a more severe case of PPS with a greater loss of muscle function, difficulty in swallowing, and more periods of fatigue.

How is PPS diagnosed?

Doctors arrive at a diagnosis of PPS by observing the patient and asking about symptoms, and by excluding other disorders. PPS may be difficult to diagnose in some cases because it is hard to determine what component of the present muscle weakness is old and what is new. Patients may need to visit the doctor periodically to establish that their muscle weakness is progressive.

Can PPS be prevented?

At present, no prevention has been found. Polio survivors are advised to follow healthy lifestyle practices.

3 November 2005