What is it?
Poliomyelitis is a neurological disease caused by the polio virus, therefore post-polio syndrome is the delayed effects of a case of polio.
Fortunately, in Spain, thanks to widespread vaccination campaigns that started in 1963, polio has been virtually eradicated since the late 1960s. The last case was reported in 1988. In recent years, we have found new cases among the immigrant population or in travellers to countries where it is still endemic. It is estimated that 35,000 people in Spain suffered the effects of the disease.
Evolution and symptoms of post-polio syndrome
Over the years, people affected by poliomyelitis can develop musculoskeletal complications resulting from this neurological disease, such as scoliosis, tendon pathology in the back, peripheral nerve entrapment from the use of walking aids or from the use of wheelchairs, respiratory failure, fractures from osteoporosis and, ultimately, loss of functionality and autonomy.
A small percentage of these people can develop what is called post-polio syndrome, consisting of the appearance of muscle weakness in addition to the foregoing, but the weakness is not attributed to disuse. This muscle weakness may or may not be accompanied by: