polio Flashcards
what is poiio
Polio is a viral infection which attacks the anterior horn cells of the brainstem and SC muscular paralysis
Recovery ranged from quick return to baseline, temporary or permanent paralysis, or even death
most ppl infected with polio will
not have any visible s/s
polio s/s
A smaller proportion of peoplewith poliovirus infectionwill develop other, more serious symptomsthat affect the brain and spinal cord:
Meningitisand encephalitis
Paralysis or weakness in the arms, legs, or both (ASYMMETRICAL)
Fasciculations, atrophy, decreased DTRs
Bulbar and respiratory involvement
SENSORY SPARED
polio vax developed
1955
PPS is a condition that
affects survivors of polio years after recovery from an initial acute attack of the poliomyelitis virus.
Characterized by acute onset of weakness, atrophy, and a myriad of other signs & symptoms
PPS etiology
PPS is thought to be caused by ↑ metabolic demand made by the body by giant motor units
Giant motor units were formed during the original viral infection (axonal sprouting)
yrs of high use -> motr units lose ability to meet work demands
risk factors for PPS
+ paralytic poliomyelitis
Older age at onset (initial illness)
Degree of initial recovery
Greater physical activity in intervening years
PPS dx
No definitive diagnostic test = DIAGNOSIS OF EXCLUSION
PPS dx criteria
prior paralytic poliomyelitis w/ motor neuron loss
A period of partial or complete functional recovery
Slowly progressive and persistent new muscle weakness or decreased endurance
s/s persist for at least a yr
PPS characteristics
Most often, polio survivors start to experience gradual new weakening in muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection
Slow progression, either steady or stepwise
Stepwise: marked by periods of relative stability, interspersed with periods of decline.
hallmark sign of PPS
weakness atrophy of mm previously affected
yrs of inc metabolic efford = break down in giant motor cells
PPS s/s
weakness atrophy
Fatigue
Beyond typical fatigue, and typically occurs at same time each day
Can be accompanied by signs of autonomic distress: sweating or headaches
Described as “Hitting the polio wall”
pain
Cold intolerance
Result of sympathetic nervous system involvement (bulbar)
Sleep disorders; dysphonia or dysphagia; respiratory deficiency
PPS common secondary complications
falls
malnutrition
pneumonia
chronic respiratory failure
OA
meds found to be effective in PPS pt
steriods and IVIG
PPS prognosis
Post-polio syndrome is rarely life-threatening, but the symptoms can significantly interfere with an individual’s ability to function independently.