Polio / Post Polio

Question 1

Polio Description

Answer 1

Infection caused by enterovirus

90-95% of cases are inapparent

4-8% non specific illness

1-2% get paresis or paralysis due to CNS infection

Motor neurons die

Muscle fibers loss neural input

Muscle atrophy occurs, resulting in weakness

Question 2

Gradual Recovery

Answer 2

Occurs due to resolution of dysfunction of partly damaged motor neurons

Reinnervation of denervated motor units by surviving motor units

Question 3

Presentation

Answer 3

Classic lower motor neuron syndrome

Weakness

Muscle wasting

Hyporeflexia - below normal or absent reflexes

Affects lumbar area more than cervical or cranial nerves

Sensory loss is rare

Affected limb may not grow normally

Question 4

Post polio syndrome

Answer 4

Symptoms experienced by polio survivors > 15 years after initial illness

Diagnosis of exclusion

Question 5

New symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and pain

Answer 5

Weakness in previously affected or unaffected muscles

Joint and muscle pain, overuse

Cold intolerance

Cramps

Breathing and swallowing difficulties

Decreased function

Question 6

Cause

Answer 6

Premature aging of damaged motor neurons or because of increased metabolic demands

Loss of muscle fibers

Normal Aging

Disuse/Overuse

Question 7

Treatment

Answer 7

Non-fatiguing exercise as tolerated

Energy conservation

Symptomatic treatment of pain

Bracing and assistive devices as necessary