Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors’ years after recovery from an initial acute attack of the poliomyelitis virus. Most often, polio survivors start to experience gradual new weakening in muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection.
Symptoms
- Breathing or swallowing problems
- Decreased tolerance of cold temperatures
- General fatigue and exhaustion with minimal activity
- Muscle atrophy
- Progressive muscle and joint weakness and pain
- Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea
Treatments
- There’s no one treatment for the various signs and symptoms of post-polio syndrome.
- The goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms and help make you as comfortable and independent as possible: Energy conservation. This involves pacing your physical activity and resting frequently to reduce fatigue.
