Polio And Post Polio Syndrome
Diagnosing post-polio syndrome
Source: NHS
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Post-polio syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because t here are no specific testsfor it and symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.
Your GP may suspectpost-polio syndromebased on your medical history and the results of a physical examination. For example,it may be suspected if:
- you had polio in the past, followed by a long period(usually at least 15 years)of no symptoms
- your symptoms have developed gradually(sudden symptoms are more likely to becaused bya different condition)
As the symptoms ofpost-polio syndrome can be similar to those of several other conditions, such as Arthritis , some tests may be needed to rule out any other possible causes of your problems. These may include blood tests and X-rays of your chest, spine or joints.
Referral to a specialist
If your GP is unsure whether you havepost-poliosyndrome, you may be referred to a hospital consultant for further testing.
Testsyou may have to rule out other conditions, or to confirm whether it's likelyyou have post-polio syndrome, may include:
- electromyography (EMG) tests to determine whether polio has damaged your nerves and muscles an EMG measures the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves
- sleep studies if you are having problems sleeping (such as sleep apnoea) or are feeling unusually tired read more about diagnosing sleep apnoea
- tests to check your heart rate and function
- a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or computerised tomography (CT) scan of your bones and muscles
- lung function tests to measure how well you can breathe, such as spirometry
- tests to investigate swallowing problems (dysphagia) read more about diagnosing dysphagia
It's possible to have post-polio syndrome alongside other conditions, so not every health problem or symptom you experience may be related to the condition.
Articles for Polio And Post Polio Syndrome
Diagnosing post-polio syndrome
Post-polio syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because there are no specific tests for it and symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.
Introduction
Post-polio syndrome is a poorly understood condition that can affect people who have had polio in the past. Polio is a viral infection that used to be common in the UK, but is rare nowadays.
Symptoms of post-polio syndrome
Read about the main symptoms of post-polio syndrome (PPS), including fatigue, weakness and pain.
Treating post-polio syndrome
There's currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, so treatment focuses on helping you manage your symptoms and improving your quality of life.