Post Poliomyelitis

Question 1

What is polio

Answer 1

Acute infectious enteric (intestine) virus.
Fecal - oral transmission.
The virus can attack motor cells and the brainstem

Question 2

Polio charcteristics

Answer 2

LNM syndrome
Asymmetrical distribution
Weakness/paralysis may be patchy
More commonly affects LE > UE

Question 3

recovery

Answer 3

Partial or full recovery- the process may take up to 2 years
Muscle hypertrophy and meuroplastic changes
There will be neural sprouting causing recovery

Question 4

Post polio

Answer 4

Polio symptoms reappearing after at least 15 years of disease stability
Potentially caused by neural fatigue (denervation > reinnervation)

Question 5

Post polio characteristics

Answer 5

Slow progression
Periods of stability followed by new declines
(Rest is same as general polio)

Question 6

S&S of post polio

Answer 6

Fatigue
Muscle atrophy
Weakness
Pain
Cold intolerance
Breathing or swallowing disorders if brain stem is involved
(SENSORY NOT EFFECTED)

Question 7

Post polio PT management

Answer 7

Education in energy conservation techniques (because fatigue is the worse)
Weight loss if patient is obese
Work and home environment adaptions
Exercise therapy
Hydrotherapy (warm water)