Living with Poliomyelitis
A viral disease that can affect nerves and cause muscle weakness or paralysis; many infections cause few or no symptoms.
Understanding Poliomyelitis
It is caused by the poliovirus, which spreads by direct contact, by contact with infected mucus from the nose or mouth, or by contact with infected feces. There are three patterns: subclinical, nonparalytic and paralytic. Symptoms range from none to partial or full paralysis. Since the polio vaccine was developed, the disease has become much less common.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms depend on the pattern of infection. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Muscle weakness, especially in the legs
- Muscle shrinking and floppiness
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Post-Polio Health International may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Post-Polio Health International
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Post-Polio Health International
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The disease is caused by infection with the poliovirus.
Also known as: acute poliomyelitis; epidemic acute poliomyelitis; infantile paralysis; pm - poliomyelitis; polia; polio
Patient organizations
- Post-Polio Health InternationalPoliomyelitis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Poliomyelitis.
Explore research for Poliomyelitis
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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