Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008 , Vol 54 , Num 4

Post Polio Syndrome

Arzu Yağız On 1
1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey

Post polio syndrome (PPS) is defined as new musculoskeletal and neuromuscular symptoms reported years after the paralytic poliomyelitis infection. The symptoms include fatigue, pain and weakness of either previously affected muscles or previously clinically unaffected muscles. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the delayed symptoms are poorly understood. New symptoms associated with PPS have been shown to impact functional status and decrease life satisfaction. There is as yet no medication that specifically treats the syndrome, although some rehabilitation procedures may prove beneficial. In this paper, the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment of the syndrome are reviewed. 

Keywords : Post polio syndrome, diagnostic criteria, treatment, exercise