Poliovirus infection

Paralytic poliomyelitis

Paralytic poliomyelitis has no definitive treatment. Residual deficits of limb weakness and/or paralysis may remain. With early and appropriate physical therapy, some function can usually be restored.[47]Neumann DA. Polio: its impact on the people of the United States and the emerging profession of physical therapy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004 Aug;34(8):479-92. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15373011?tool=bestpractice.com [49]Bruno RL. Post-polio syndrome. Neurology. 1996 Nov;47(5):1359-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8909477?tool=bestpractice.com [50]Farbu E, Gilhus NE, Barnes MP, et al. Post-polio syndrome: EFNS guidelines on post-polio syndrome. In: Gilhus NE, Barnes MP, Brainin M, eds. European Handbook of Neurological Management, Volume 1. 2nd ed. West Sussex, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.; 2011:311-9.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: A young boy with polio walking with bilateral leg braces: Peshawar, PakistanFrom the collection of Dr Omar Khan; used with permission [Citation ends].

Bulbar paralytic poliomyelitis

Respiratory failure due to bulbar paralytic poliomyelitis is a medical emergency and may develop in patients with paralysis.

It has a mortality rate of approximately 60%.[28]Cochi SL, Kew O. Polio today: are we on the verge of global eradication? JAMA. 2008 Aug 20;300(7):839-41. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/300/7/839 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18714066?tool=bestpractice.com

In those who survive, complete recovery is unusual, and respiratory compromise usually remains. Physical therapy/pulmonary therapy may bring minimal improvement.