Symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome
The
symptoms of post-polio syndrome can vary in number and severity between different people with post-
polio syndrome. Some patients experience only minor symptoms of post-polio syndrome, while others develop more severe symptoms.
Common post-polio syndrome symptoms can include:
- Slowly progressive muscle weakness
- Loss of muscle
- Unaccustomed fatigue
- Joint pain
- Increasing skeletal deformities such as scoliosis.
Diagnosing Post-Polio Syndrome
In order to make a
post-polio syndrome diagnosis, the doctor will ask the patient a number of questions, perform a physical exam, and recommend certain tests looking for signs and symptoms of post-polio syndrome. Some of these tests may include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Neuroimaging tests
- Electromyography (EMG).
These tests can help diagnose post-polio syndrome (or even another medical condition), but they do not identify survivors at greatest risk for new progression of muscle weakness.
Before making a post-polio syndrome diagnosis, the doctor will also consider other medical conditions that can share similar symptoms with post-polio syndrome. Some of these conditions include:
Post-Polio Syndrome Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for post-polio syndrome. Therefore, treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. Some treatment options for post-polio syndrome include lifestyle changes and support. Research scientists continue to actively look for other post-
polio treatment options.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print