title: Post-polio sequelae--differential diagnosis and management.
abstract: Forty-two patients with a past history of poliomyelitis were evaluated at a post-polio clinic for new problems or impairments. Evaluation included a complete history, neurological and biomechanical examination and electrodiagnostic studies. Based on this evaluation patients were placed into three groups: 23 patients were considered to have or likely to have Progressive Post-Polio Muscular Atrophy (PPPMA); 17 patients were considered to have other post-polio sequelae; and two patients had problems unrelated to a past history of polio but mistaken for post-polio sequelae. Musculoskeletal pain was a common complaint among all groups of patients. Twenty-two of the 40 patients with post-polio sequelae were advised to alter their method of ambulation and/or decrease their activity pattern in order to decrease strain and/or excessive exertion of involved muscles. The role of chronic overuse and exercise in producing PPPMA or musculoskeletal pain problems is discussed. Characteristic clinical problems and useful management plans are described.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004576:Electromyography; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009431:Neural Conduction; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D010808:Physical Examination; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors