top of page

WHAT IS POST POLIO SYNDROME

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 now rare.

Most people who had Polio would have fought off the infection without even realising they were infected.

Some people with Polio would have had paralysis, muscle weakness and shrinking of the muscles. But usually, these problems would have either gone away over the following weeks or months, or remained the same for years afterwards.

Post Polio Syndrome is where some of these symptoms return or get worse many years or decades after the original polio infection.

SYMPTOMS OF POST POLIO SYNDROME

Post Polio Syndrome can include a wide range of symptoms that develop gradually over time, including:

persistent fatigue (extreme tiredness)
muscle weakness
shrinking muscles
muscle and joint pain
sleep apnoea

The condition can have a significant impact on everyday life, making it very difficult to get around and carry out certain tasks and activities. The symptoms tend to get gradually worse over many years, but this happens very slowly and treatment may help slow it down further.

Post Polio Syndrome is rarely life-threatening, although some people develop breathing and swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious problems, such as chest infections.

WHO'S AFFECTED

Post Polio Syndrome only affects people who've had polio. It usually develops 15 to 40 years after the infection.

The condition has become more common in the UK in recent years, because of the high number of Polio cases that occurred during the 1940s and 1950s, before routine vaccination was introduced. It's estimated that there are around 120,000 people living in the UK who survived Polio when they were younger. Some of these have, or will develop, Post Polio Syndrome.

It's not known exactly how many Polio survivors are or will be affected by Post Polio Syndrome. Estimates vary from as low as 15% to as high as 80%.

WHAT CAUSES POST-POLIO SYNDROME?

The exact cause of post Polio Syndrome is unclear. It's not known whether anything can be done to prevent it.

The leading theory is that it's the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (motor neurones) that were damaged by the Polio virus. This would explain why the condition can take years to appear.

Post Polio Syndrome isn't contagious. The theory that the Polio virus may lie dormant in your body, causing Post Polio Syndrome when it becomes reactivated at a later stage, has been disproven.

It's not clear why only some people who've had polio develop Post Polio Syndrome. Those who had severe Polio when they were younger may be more likely to develop the condition.

Contacts us: 0800 043 1935
Email us: info@britishpolio.org.uk

Accessibility Tools

Search

The British Polio Fellowship

4 days ago2 min read

Be safe charging your mobility scooter or wheelchair

Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are popular electric mobility aids that help many polio survivors get out and about.

Most are powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries which can be charged in the home. It’s important when charging your scooter or wheelchair, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting lives and homes at risk. When charging, it is important:

to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always unplug your charger when it has finished charging.
you have a working smoke alarm where you charge your mobility scooter or wheelchair.
you charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert, and you don't charge batteries overnight while you are asleep or away from home.
to always use the approved manufacturers charger for the mobility scooter or wheelchair.
to buy an official replacement charger from a reputable seller.
you do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging because this could lead to overheating.
not to charge batteries or store your mobility scooter or wheelchair near combustible or flammable materials.
you do not over-charge the battery.
you do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads.
to have a safe area for storing your mobility scooter or wheelchair that will not hinder safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

In the event of a fire involving a lithium-ion (rechargeable) battery NEVER attempt to tackle it yourself. It is important to note that water isn’t effective at extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire and can actually make it worse. Get out, stay out, and call 999.

When disposing of a lithium-ion battery this can’t be done in your household waste, you must take this to a household refuse and recycling plant.

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Recent Posts

Big win for the #BackThe1in6 campaign

Patron Robin Askwith donates show proceeds to charity

Have your say about the NHS

Comments

bottom of page