Symptoms of post-polio syndrome

Post-polio syndrome can cause a wide range of symptoms that canseverely affecteveryday life.

They tend to develop gradually and get worse very slowly over time.

Common symptoms

Fatigue

Fatigue is the most common symptom of post-polio syndrome. It can take many forms, including:

  • muscle fatigue where muscles feel very tired and heavy, particularly after physical activity
  • general fatigue where you feel an overwhelming sense of physical exhaustion, as if you've not slept for days
  • mental fatigue where you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate, have problems remembering things and make mistakes you would not usually make

Organising your activities so that you don't over-exert yourself and taking regular rests will help to reduce your fatigue.

Muscle weakness

Increasing muscle weakness is another common symptom of post-polio syndrome. It can be easy to confuse muscle weakness with muscle fatigue, but they are different.

Muscle weakness means that you're increasingly unable to use affected muscles, whether you feeltired or not. Weakness can occur in muscles that were previously affected by a polio infection, as well as in muscles that were not previously affected.

There may also be associated shrinking of affected muscles, known asatrophy.

Muscle and joint pain

Muscle and joint painare also common in post-polio syndrome. Muscle pain is usually feltas a deep ache in the muscles or muscle cramps and spasms.

The pain is often worse after you've used the affected muscles. It can be particularly troublesome during the evening after a day's activities.

Joint pain is similar to Arthritis andconsists of soreness, stiffness and a reduced range of movement.

Associated symptoms

As well as the common symptoms of post-polio syndrome,several associated symptoms can arise from the combination of fatigue, muscle weakness, and muscle and joint pain.

Weight gain

Because of the symptoms mentioned above, most people with post-polio syndromebecome less physically active than they used to be.

This can often lead to weight gain and, in some cases, obesity . This in turn can make any fatigue, muscle weakness and pain worse.

Walking difficulties

As well as weight gain, the combination of fatigue, weakness and pain can lead to walking difficulties and increasing difficulty with mobility.

Many people with post-polio syndromewill require a walking aid such as crutches or a stickat some stage, and some people may eventually need to use a wheelchair.

Breathing difficulties

In some people withpost-polio syndrome, breathing can be difficult because the breathingmuscles become weaker.

This can causeproblems such as shortness of breath , interrupted breathing while you sleep(sleep apnoea see below), and an increased risk of chest infections .

If you havepost-polio syndrome, it's important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of a possible chest infection. These can includecoughing up discoloured phlegm or blood, chest pain and wheezing.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea affects many people withpost-polio syndrome. The walls of thethroat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing.

This can cause problems such as feeling very sleepy during the day, headaches and increased fatigue.

Swallowing problems

Weakness in the muscles you use for chewing and swallowing may lead to problems swallowing (dysphagia) , such as choking or gagging when you try to swallow.

You may experience changes in your voice and speech, such as hoarseness, low volume or a nasal-sounding voice, particularly after you've been speaking for a while or when you are tired.

Swallowing problems are usually mild and progress very slowly. A speech and language therapist may be able to help.

Sensitivity to cold

Some people withpost-polio syndrome find theybecome very sensitive to cold temperatures or a sudden drop in temperatureas a resultof poor blood supply.

Because of this intolerance to cold, people withpost-polio syndrome may need to wear extra layers of clothingto trytostay comfortable.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016