Poliomyelitis
Description
Symptoms
Initial symptoms are those of a influenza-like illness (fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, among other things) and can last up to 10 days. Its most serious forms may cause respiratory paralysis leading to death. Post-polio syndrome presents a new neurological weakness that may be progressive or abrupt on muscles previously affected or unaffected. It may or may not be accompanied by new health problems such as excessive fatigue, muscle pain, pain in the joints, intolerance to cold, reduced physical stamina and function, and atrophy.
Who is affected by the condition
It mainly affects children and the mechanisms for its transmission may be through faecal-oral channels or a common vehicle (contaminated water or food).
Post-polio syndrome affects patients who have had poliomyelitis for 20 years or more.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is given clinically, supplemented with laboratory and electromyographic (EMG) tests.
Standard treatment
Symptomatic treatment with analgaesics, a ventilator where necessary, gentle exercise and possibility of orthopaedic devices to prevent deformities or to enable function.
Standard tests
In acute diagnoses, studying secretions, stools and cerebrospinal fluid. EMG in acute and later stages for diagnosing post-polio syndrome.
Prevention
Poliomyelitis has no cure but it can be prevent by vaccination.
Hospital o serveis complementaris relacionats
General Hospital
Traumatology, Rehabilitation and Burns Hospital
Álvarez Sabín
Álvarez Sabín
Sanchez Raya
Sanchez Raya
Yague Velasco
Yague Velasco
Salvador Lodosa
Salvador Lodosa
Garlito Pérez
Garlito Pérez
Ginés Puertas
Ginés Puertas
Gámez
Gámez
Ruiz Alcaraz
Ruiz Alcaraz
Gómez Garrido
Gómez Garrido
Pozo Rosich
Pozo Rosich
Soler Lladó
Pardos
Pardos
Lusilla Palacios
Lusilla Palacios