postpoliooireyhtymä

Postpoliooireyhtymä, known in English as post-polio syndrome, is a neurological condition that affects individuals who have previously had poliomyelitis. It typically occurs many years, often decades, after the initial polio infection. The primary characteristic of post-polio syndrome is the onset of new or worsening muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain in muscles that were previously affected by polio or even those that were not.

The exact cause of post-polio syndrome is not fully understood, but current theories suggest that the remaining motor neurons in individuals who had polio, which compensated for the loss of nerve cells during the initial infection, may eventually become overloaded and dysfunctional over time. This leads to a gradual decline in muscle strength and function. Other contributing factors might include inflammation or degeneration of these surviving neurons.

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and can include profound fatigue that is not relieved by rest, muscle atrophy, joint pain, and cold intolerance. The progression of post-polio syndrome is generally slow, but the impact on an individual's quality of life can be significant, leading to difficulties with mobility, breathing, and daily activities. There is no specific cure for post-polio syndrome, but management focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving function. This often involves a multidisciplinary approach including physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management, and strategies to conserve energy.