poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis (Polio) Description

Poliomyelitis, commonly referred to as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of 5 [3]. The virus is transmitted through person-to-person contact mainly via the fecal-oral route or by contaminated water and food [3].

Symptoms

The symptoms of polio can range from mild to severe. In most cases, people infected with the virus may not show any symptoms at all, while in some cases, they may experience:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Paresthesia (tingling sensation)

In a small proportion of cases, more severe symptoms can develop, including paralysis [13].

Paralysis and Complications

Polio can cause permanent paralysis in about 1 in 200 cases, usually affecting the legs. In its most severe form, polio can lead to a person being unable to move certain limbs, trouble breathing, and sometimes death [10].

Key Facts

• Polio is easily spread from person to person.
• The disease is more common in the summer and fall seasons.
• Children under age 5 are most affected by polio.

References:

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Symptoms of Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis, also known as polio, can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild to severe symptoms.

• Mild symptoms: Many people experience a mild course of the disease with one or more symptoms, including:
  • Fever (up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or 39.4 degrees Celsius)
  • Decreased appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Fatigue [5]
• Common symptoms: The most common signs and symptoms of polio include:
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain [3, 7]
• Severe symptoms: In more severe cases, polio can cause:
  • Weakness or paralysis of muscles
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Severe headache
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Muscle wasting
  • Weakened breathing
  • Constipation [6, 8]

It's essential to note that some people may experience a more severe form of polio, known as nonparalytic or abortive poliomyelitis, which can cause muscle weakness all over the body, severe constipation, and other symptoms [8].

References:

[3] May 9, 2024 — Signs and symptoms · Sore throat · Fever · Tiredness · Nausea · Headache · Stomach pain. [5] A mild and short course of the disease with one or more symptoms: fever (up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or 39.4 degrees Celsius), decreased appetite, nausea and/ ... [6] Poliomyelitis (Polio) · Symptoms: Weakness, fever, stiffness, fatigue, severe headache, swallowing difficulty · Treatment: Supportive care, therapy, respiratory ... [7] What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Polio? · upper respiratory infection (feels like a cold) · sore throat · fever · diarrhea · nausea and vomiting · stomach pain ... [8] The symptoms of nonparalytic and abortive poliomyelitis · Muscle weakness all over · Severe constipation · Muscle wasting · Weakened breathing · Difficulty ...

Diagnostic Tests for Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis, also known as polio, can be diagnosed through various tests that detect the presence of the poliovirus in the body. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to confirm a polio diagnosis:

• Lab test of stool sample: A lab test can detect the poliovirus in a stool sample, which is a non-invasive and relatively quick test [1].
• Spinal tap (Lumbar puncture): A spinal tap may be performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for testing. This test can help confirm the presence of the virus in the central nervous system [2].
• Physical exam: A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to assess symptoms and look for signs of polio, such as muscle weakness or paralysis [3].
• Viral culture and testing: Viral cultures from stool, throat, or cerebrospinal fluid can be used to detect the presence of the poliovirus. This test is considered definitive in diagnosing polio [4].
• PCR plus sequencing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing can also be used to detect and identify the poliovirus [5].

In addition, other tests may be performed to rule out other conditions or to assess the severity of post-polio syndrome. These include:

• MRI of spinal cord and brain: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can help evaluate the extent of muscle damage and paralysis [6].
• Muscle ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to evaluate muscle function and monitor progression in post-polio syndrome patients [7].

References:

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Treatment Overview

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. While there are no antiviral medications effective against polioviruses, treatment for polio focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's recovery process.

Symptomatic Treatment

The primary goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms such as:

• Muscle pain and spasms
• Fever
• Fatigue

To achieve this, patients are often prescribed:

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help control muscle aches and fever [6][9].
• Bed rest: Resting the body allows it to recover from the infection [8][9].

In severe cases, additional treatments may be necessary, including:

• Portable ventilators: To assist with breathing difficulties [6].
• Physical therapy: To help maintain muscle function and prevent further complications [9].

Note on Antiviral Treatment

Unfortunately, there are no antiviral medications effective against polioviruses. Research has been conducted on various antiviral compounds, such as pocapavir (V-073), but these have not yet been proven to be effective in treating polio [3].

The differential diagnosis of poliomyelitis, also known as polio, involves considering other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polio is typically considered in endemic areas where a child below the age of 5 years presents with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) [5]. However, AFP can be caused by various conditions, including:

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: an autoimmune disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis [1]
• Kugelberg-Welander Spinal Muscular Atrophy: a genetic disorder that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscles [1]
• Myotonic Dystrophy: a genetic disorder that affects muscle tone and can cause muscle wasting and weakness [1]
• Pediatric Botulism: a rare but serious illness caused by bacterial toxins that can affect the nervous system and cause muscle weakness and paralysis [1]

In addition to these conditions, other differential diagnoses for polio include:

• Acute meningitis: an infection of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord [3]
• Other motor polyneuropathies: a group of conditions that affect the nerves responsible for controlling muscles [3]
• Acute intermittent porphyria: a rare genetic disorder that can cause muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and other symptoms [3]
• Acute transverse myelitis: an inflammatory condition that affects the spinal cord and can cause muscle weakness and paralysis [3]

It's worth noting that polio is often suspected in areas where the disease is endemic, but a definitive diagnosis of polio requires laboratory confirmation, such as through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing or serological tests [6].

References:

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