Childhood Polio Linked to New Problems

Childhood Polio Linked to New Problems

ROCHESTER, MINN. -- If you had polio as a child, you have about a one in five chance that related health concerns will appear decades later, according to the May issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Called post-polio syndrome, the symptoms include muscle and joint pain, general fatigue and weakness. Doctors aren't sure what causes post-polio syndrome. A Mayo Clinic study showed symptoms aren't caused by new nerve or muscle deterioration. And post-polio symptoms don't appear to be a reactivation of the long-dormant virus. Some doctors attribute the concerns to chronic overuse of muscles and joints that appeared to be undamaged by the initial polio.

Because symptoms vary, there is no one treatment. Nonstrenuous exercise, physical therapy, aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help. If you had polio as a child and are experiencing new muscle weakness or pain, see your doctor.

Shelly Plutowski507-284-5005 (days)507-284-2511 (evenings)e-mail: [email protected]

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