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spinal polio

ICD-10 Codes

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Description

Spinal polio, also known as paralytic poliomyelitis, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the poliovirus.

Types of Spinal Polio

There are several types of spinal polio, but the most common one involves damage to the motor neurons of the spinal cord. This type is characterized by asymmetrical, flaccid paralysis of the limbs [1].

Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal polio can vary depending on the severity and location of the damage. Some common symptoms include:

  • Intense pain
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Tingling or pricking sensations
  • Muscles spasms or twitching
  • Muscles weakness progressing to a limp [2]

In some cases, the virus may also cause difficulties in breathing due to damage to the upper part of the spinal cord [3].

Causes and Progression

Spinal polio starts with symptoms of meningitis, followed by severe myalgia and localized sensory changes. The virus then spreads to the anterior horn motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain stem, causing extensive damage and leading to limb paralysis [

Additional Characteristics

  • Damage to motor neurons
  • Asymmetrical flaccid paralysis
  • Muscles spasms or twitching
  • Muscles weakness
  • Difficulties in breathing

Signs and Symptoms

Spinal poliomyelitis, also known as spinal polio, is a type of polio that affects the muscles innervated by the motor neurons of the spinal cord. The signs and symptoms of spinal polio include:

  • Flaccid paralysis of muscles: This is the most frequent symptom of spinal polio, where the muscles become weak and floppy due to the damage caused by the virus.
  • Muscle weakness: People with spinal polio may experience muscle weakness in various parts of their body, including the arms, legs, and back.
  • Fatigue: Spinal polio can cause significant fatigue, making it difficult for people to perform daily activities.
  • Pain: Some people with spinal polio may experience pain in the affected muscles.

According to [2], spinal poliomyelitis is characterized by flaccid paralysis of muscles innervated by the motor neurons of the spinal cord. This can lead to significant muscle weakness and fatigue, making it difficult for people to perform daily activities.

It's worth noting that spinal polio can have a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and may affect different parts of the body. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of spinal polio, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.

References: [2] Spinal poliomyelitis is the most frequent and is characterized by flaccid paralysis of muscles innervated by the motor neurons of the spinal cord.

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Spinal Polio

Spinal polio, also known as poliomyelitis, can be diagnosed through various tests that help confirm the presence of the virus and its impact on the body.

  • Physical Exam: A healthcare provider performs a physical exam to assess symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, or pain in the back and limbs [4].
  • Lab Tests: Lab tests are conducted to detect the poliovirus in stool samples, throat swabs, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [1][5]. These tests can identify the virus and confirm its presence.
  • Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans may be recommended to visualize the brain and spinal cord, helping to detect any damage caused by the virus [3].
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests can check for polio antibodies, which are proteins produced by the body in response to the infection [7]. Elevated levels of these antibodies can indicate a past or current infection.
  • Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): A spinal tap is performed to collect CSF, which can be tested for the presence of the virus and other signs of inflammation [8].

These diagnostic tests help healthcare providers confirm the diagnosis of spinal polio and determine the best course of treatment.

References: [1] Jun 20, 2024 — To confirm the diagnosis, a lab test of a stool sample can detect the poliovirus. The virus can be found in a throat sample only during the ... [3] Your doctor might recommend an Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan to see images of your brain and spinal cord. These tests can ... [4] How is polio diagnosed? A healthcare provider diagnoses polio by performing a physical exam, testing samples of body fluids and asking you about your symptoms. [5] Dec 18, 2023 — Laboratory Studies · Order lumbar puncture test. · Order a complete blood count (CBC), because leukocytosis may be present. · Perform virus ... [7] Viruses from the samples are grown in a lab and checked with a microscope. Blood test. This is done to check for polio antibodies. Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). [8] Test of polio antibodies levels. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around ...

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Physical Exam
  • Imaging Tests
  • Blood Tests
  • Lab Tests
  • Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)

Treatment

Treatment Options for Spinal Polio

Spinal polio, also known as paralytic poliomyelitis, can cause significant muscle weakness and paralysis in the affected limbs. While there is no specific medication to treat polio, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to control fever and muscle aches [2].
  • Hot moist packs: Applying hot moist packs to the affected muscles can help relieve pain and spasms [3].
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy is essential in managing arm or leg weakness caused by paralytic polio. A physical therapist can create an individually tailored training program to help improve muscle strength and mobility [6][7].
  • Mechanical ventilation: In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to assist with breathing [5].

It's worth noting that the primary treatment of spinal polio is supportive care, focusing on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. While there are no specific medications to treat polio, various treatments can help improve quality of life and manage symptoms.

References: [1] Not applicable (search results did not provide relevant information) [2] 2. Mar 24, 2023 [3] 3. Jun 20, 2024 [5] 5. Nov 4, 2022 [6] 6. May 9, 2024 [7] 7. by E Farbu · 2010

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Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of spinal polio, also known as paralytic poliomyelitis, involves considering various conditions that can cause similar symptoms to polio. According to medical literature [6], the differential diagnosis of polio is typically considered in endemic areas where a child below the age of 5 years presents with acute flaccid paralysis.

Some of the conditions that should be included in the differential diagnosis of spinal polio are:

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure [3].
  • Kugelberg Welander Spinal Muscular Atrophy: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement [3].
  • Myotonic dystrophy: This is a genetic disorder that affects the muscles and can cause muscle stiffness, weakness, and wasting [3].
  • Pediatric Botulism: This is a rare but serious illness caused by the toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum [3].

Other conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal polio include:

  • Acute intermittent porphyria: This is a rare genetic disorder that can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and abdominal pain [1].
  • Acute transverse myelitis: This is an inflammatory condition that affects the spinal cord and can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and sensory loss [1].
  • Acute meningitides: This is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and stiff neck [1].

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of polio is dependent on a combination of clinical course, virologic testing, special studies, and residual neurologic deficit [2]. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis.

References:

[1] Dec 18, 2023 — Diagnostic Considerations · Acute meningitides · Other motor polyneuropathies · Acute intermittent porphyria · Acute transverse myelitis · Acute ...

[2] The diagnosis of paralytic poliomyelitis is dependent on 1) clinical course, 2) virologic testing, 3) special studies and 4) residual neurologic deficit 60 ...

[3] Nov 4, 2022 — Differential Diagnoses · Guillain-Barre Syndrome · Kugelberg Welander Spinal Muscular Atrophy · Myotonic dystrophy · Pediatric Botulism · Pediatric ...

Additional Information

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A paralytic poliomyelitis that results in destruction located in motor neurons of spinal cord, has_material_basis_in Human poliovirus 1, has_material_basis_in Human poliovirus 2, or has_material_basis_in Human poliovirus 3, which are transmitted by ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces, or transmitted by direct contact with the oral secretions. The infection has symptom difficulty breathing, and has symptom paralysis of arms and legs.
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