Fatigue, muscle weakness and constant pain – these symptoms could mean you had polio decades ago

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that can affect polio survivors even decades after infection. It is most dangerous for those whose disease was asymptomatic – therefore it is difficult to correctly determine what caused constant fatigue, muscle weakness and various types of pain.

It is believed that poliomyelitis, a highly contagious virus that causes a variety of disorders – from mild indigestion to severe bulbar paralysis – ceased to be a terrible threat in the 60s of the last century. However, this is unfortunately not the case: the disease has not been completely eradicated. Doctors now agree that many polio survivors experience unpleasant symptoms between 15 and 30 years after infection.

However, people in their 40s and 50s who were ill in childhood, but did not know it themselves, often turn to pain of unknown origin and severe muscle weakness, and there is no trace in the medical record. In this case, only a special medical analysis will help to identify the cause of the deterioration in well-being, which only a few achieve. PPS sufferers have been treated for years for neuralgia, cardiovascular disease and even depression – and the cause is completely different, so the prescribed treatment does not bring any relief.

Post-polio syndrome in the most difficult cases can even lead to muscle failure. Symptoms such as sleep apnea (stopping of breathing during sleep) and joint problems are common. Why does this happen? The poliomyelitis virus infects nerve cells, some of which do not regenerate. As a person ages, at some point their remaining nerve cells may be overwhelmed and then symptoms of PPS appear.

There is no cure for this syndrome, but physical therapy, well-chosen painkillers, and a comfortable daily routine can improve quality of life. And to prevent the disease – timely and comprehensive vaccination against poliomyelitis.