In simple words: Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that can affect people years after they have recovered from polio. It causes new muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue. This happens because the nerves and muscles damaged by polio may weaken further over time. PPS is not a new polio infection.Symptoms can include increased weakness in muscles affected by polio, general tiredness, muscle shrinking, joint pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, sleep problems, and being more sensitive to cold.

Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is a neurological disorder characterized by new and progressive muscular weakness, pain, and fatigue many years after the occurrence of acute paralytic polio. It typically appears 15-40 years after the initial polio infection and is not caused by reinfection with the poliovirus. Symptoms can include slowly increasing weakness in previously affected muscles, generalized fatigue, muscle atrophy, joint pain, breathing or swallowing problems, sleep apnea, and decreased tolerance to cold. Diagnosis is based on medical history, signs and symptoms, and physical examination, with diagnostic studies sometimes employed to rule out other conditions. Treatment often involves physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with modified activity and other supportive measures.

Example 1: A 55-year-old patient with a history of paralytic polio in childhood presents with new-onset muscle weakness in their right leg, along with fatigue and muscle pain. After excluding other potential causes, the physician diagnoses them with post-polio syndrome and recommends a course of physical therapy and modified activity., A 60-year-old patient who recovered from polio decades earlier experiences increasing difficulty breathing, especially at night.Following a sleep study and other evaluations, they are diagnosed with post-polio syndrome with sleep apnea.Treatment includes respiratory support and lifestyle modifications., A 70-year-old patient with a history of polio develops difficulty swallowing and speaking. After a thorough assessment, including imaging and neurological tests, post-polio syndrome is diagnosed as the cause of the bulbar symptoms.The patient is referred to speech therapy and receives support for managing their swallowing difficulties.

Documentation for post-polio syndrome should include a detailed medical history (including the history of polio), a comprehensive neurological examination focusing on muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation, and results of any diagnostic tests performed to rule out other conditions. Details about the new or worsening symptoms, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, and functional limitations, should also be clearly documented.