Post-polio symptoms

A crossectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of late symptoms among post-polio survivors. The aim was to increase awareness of late symptoms among professionals involved in rehabilitation, and to evaluate the need for accessible diagnostic and treatment facilities. Of the 146 subjects surveyed, about half reported decline in general health since maximal recovery. Among the late symptoms were muscle and joint pain (46%), fatigue (31%), cold intolerance (67%) and muscle cramps (39%). About 25% reported decreased functional ability and 13% required braces or mobility devices. Most of the late symptoms appeared gradually (median time 45 years after onset of polio). The prevalence of these late symptoms is slightly lower than that described in previous studies, but that of decreased functional ability, much lower. These differences may be due to differences in the populations surveyed. Symptomatic post-polio subjects should be identified and encouraged to use appropriate medical facilities.