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Post-polio syndrome
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Diseases & Conditions
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Shortly after, vaccines were
developed that greatly reduced its spread. Today,
hardly anyone in developed countries gets polio, and
the disease is well on its way to being eliminated
in developing countries, thanks to massive
immunization efforts with oral polio vaccine.
But for some people, some of the initial problems
they had with polio are reappearing in a condition
called post-polio syndrome (PPS). The cause is
unknown, but new research is beginning to yield a
better understanding of this complex syndrome.
Treatment
Because the signs and symptoms often vary, there's no one specific
treatment for PPS. The goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms and
make you as comfortable and independent as possible.
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Energy
conservation.
This is probably the most important aspect of managing PPS. It
involves pacing your physical activity and combining it with
frequent rest periods to reduce fatigue. Assistive devices, such as
a cane, walker, wheelchair or motor scooter, also can help you
conserve energy.
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Physical
therapy.
Your doctor or therapist may prescribe exercises for you that
strengthen your muscles but don't induce muscle fatigue. These
usually include less strenuous activities, such as swimming or water
aerobics, that you perform every other day at a relaxed pace.
Exercise to maintain fitness is important, but be cautious in your
exercise routine and daily activities. Avoid overusing your muscles
and joints and attempting to exercise beyond the point of pain or
fatigue. Otherwise, you may need several days' rest to regain your
strength. A therapist can even show you ways to breathe that help
conserve energy.
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Occupational
therapy.
A physical or occupational therapist can help you modify your home
environment so that it's safe and convenient for you. This may
include installation of grab bars in the shower or a raised toilet
seat. Your therapist may also help you rearrange your furniture or
rethink certain household or work-related tasks in a way that
decreases the number of steps you must take and increases your
efficiency.
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Speech therapy.
A speech therapist can show you ways to compensate for swallowing
difficulties.
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Sleep apnea
treatment.
Treatment for sleep apnea, which is common among people with PPS,
may involve changing your sleeping patterns, such as avoiding
sleeping on your back, or using a device that helps open up a
blocked airway.
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Medications.
Medications, including aspirin and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, may ease muscle and joint pain. Certain
drugs — pyridostigmine (Mestinon), amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel),
methylphenidate (Ritalin), bromocriptine (Parlodel) — have been
studied as a treatment for PPS fatigue, but no clear benefit has
been shown. Other medications for fatigue may help, such as modafinil (Provigil).
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