[Sequelae after polio--a review].

Abstract

Poliomyelitis has almost been eradicated world-wide, but during the last decades polio survivors have noted new problems: late effects of polio and post-polio. In Denmark, 7-8000 polio survivors are disabled by poliomyelitis. Late effects of polio, defined as onset of new symptoms decades after the acute poliomyelitis, include fatigue and overuse muskuloskeletal problems. Post-polio is a sub-category of the late effects of polio and related to impaired neuro-muscular function with unexpected onset, which is not caused by the patient's age. Post-polio is a clinical diagnosis and cannot be verified by a definitive test. The dysfunction of the muscles is caused by loss of motor neurones and reduced neuromuscular reserve capacity, in combination with a disturbed balance between the ongoing reinnervation and denervation at the expense of the reinnervation. Many polio survivors suffering from late effects of polio have a need for multidisciplinary rehabilitation, physiotherapy, reconstruction of orthosis, social counselling, modifications to the home and individual aids.