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basic information on post polio syndrome

Post polio syndrome or (PPS) is a condition that will strike a polio survivor anywhere from 10 to 40 years from recovery from the initial attack,poliomyelitis virus. PPS is rarely life-threatening. But it will further weaken muscles that were previously injured by polio infection. Symptoms include muscle and joint pain, muscular atrophy,fatigue, and slowly add muscle weakness. Some patients experience only minor symptoms, others may develop spinal muscular problems. PPS depends on how hard they were affected by the first polio attack. Patients who at a minimum symptoms of the original attack will likely experience only mild symptoms. Patients originally hit hard by the original attack by polio may develop more severe case of PPS WITH greater loss of muscle functions, difficulty in swallowing, and more fatigue. Over 300,000 polio survivors are at risk in our country alone.PPS is caused by the destruction of individual nerve terminals in the motor units that remain after the initial attack. During the recovery process, the body may compensate for loss of these nerve cells the surviving motor neutrons may sprout new endings to restore function to muscles. But after a number of years, the motor neutrons may be able to maintain metabolic demands of all the news sprouts, and a slow deterioration may occur. Once PPS is diagnosed, some patients worry about having polio again or even ALS. Lou Gehrig's disease. In general PPS is not life-threatening, the only exception is in patients, who experienced severe respiratory impairments.PPS effects only certain muscle groups, and is not considered to be reoccurrence of the original polio. Scientists are working on a wide variety of treatment possibilities including some drugs, that shows some promise. Patients that have received high dosages of prednisone demonstrated a mild improvement in their condition but not significantly enough to outweigh the side effects, led researchers to recommend that prednisone not be used. People often ask if there is a way of preventing PPS. Presently there is no prevention. But doctors do recommend moderate exercise, a well balanced diet, standard healthy lifestyle practices. And regular doctor visits.
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Note: All prices in US Dollars
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