Post-polio syndrome

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects survivors of poliomyelitis, a viral infection of the nervous system, after recovery from an initial paralytic attack of the virus. Typically the symptoms appear 20-40 years after the original infection, at an age of 35 to 60. Symptoms include new or increased muscular weakness, pain in the muscle, and fatigue. The precise mechanism that causes post-polio syndrome is unknown. It shares many features in common with myalgic encephalomyelitis, a form of chronic fatigue syndrome that is apparently caused by viral infections, but unlike those disorders it tends to be progressive, and can cause tangible loss of muscle strength. Treatment is primarily limited to adequate rest, conservation of available energy, and to supportive measures, such as leg braces and energy-saving devices such as powered wheelchairs, plus pain relievers, sleep aids, etc. Diagnosis of post-polio syndrome can be difficult, since the symptoms are hard to... full article at wikipedia