Polio is essentially a disease of the past. However, an increasing number of people who have had polio are developing a condition called post-polio syndrome (PPS).
PPS is a poorly understood condition that can cause pain, muscle weakness and fatigue.
The history of polio
In the past, polio was very common. It affected children worldwide, causing paralysis and death. In England, there was a widespread outbreak of polio during the 1940s and early 1950s.
Since a polio vaccine was introduced in 1955, the number of polio cases has dramatically reduced.
Since 1998, no cases of polio have been reported in the UK. There are now only four countries in which the condition remains a serious problem. These are:
- Nigeria
- India
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
There is no cure for polio so it is important to prevent it from occurring. Make sure your child receives all their necessary vaccinations. Read more information about childhood vaccinations.
Post-polio syndrome (PPS)
It is not known exactly how many people PPS affects, but some research estimates that it may be up to 75% of people who have had polio. PPS may develop between 10 and 40 years after the initial illness, with symptoms taking an average of 30 years to develop. Only people who have had polio can develop PPS.
It can be difficult to confirm a diagnosis of PPS as no definitive tests are available. However, some tests are used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
The initial symptoms of PPS usually develop gradually and include:
- increasing muscle weakness
- fatigue
- muscle and joint pain
- breathing or sleeping problems
- sensitivity to the cold
Although PPS is rarely life threatening, it can greatly interfere with everyday life, making it difficult to get around or carry out some tasks and activities. This means there may also be secondary symptoms such as weight gain and walking problems.
Read more about the symptoms of PPS.
What causes post-polio syndrome?
The exact causes of PPS are unknown. However, the main theory is that PPS is the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (called motor neurones) that were damaged by the polio virus. This would also explain why PPS can take years to appear.
PPS is not contagious, and the theory that the polio virus may lay dormant in your system after the original infection has been disproven.
In recent years, PPS has become more common in the UK, largely due to the high number of polio cases during the 1940s and 1950s. However, as polio is no longer naturally active in England, PPS should become much rarer in the future.
How is post-polio syndrome treated?
Although there is currently no cure for PPS, a range of treatments and support is available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Some of the ways that symptoms of PPS may be managed include:
- physical therapy known as "pacing", to help recognise and manage fatigue
- mobility aids, such as walking sticks or scooters
- weight control and healthy eating, to avoid putting unnecessary strain on muscles and joints
- painkilling medication, although this is avoided if possible to prevent people damaging their joints without realising it
- discussing the psychological impact, which might be with your GP, on an online forum or in a local support group
Read more information about treatment for PPS.
