Vocational implications of post-polio syndrome.
Of more than 1,000,000 survivors of poliomyelitis living in the United States, about 80% experience symptoms associated with post-polio syndrome (PPS). New weakness, fatigue, and pain are the most common symptoms that may appear years after acute polio. PPS is reported to be the most prevalent progressive neuromuscular disease in North America. The physical symptoms of PPS can be severe enough to decrease an individual's quality of life, significantly alter work function, and impose lifestyle changes. The psychological implications of battling once again with a disease that had stabilized decades ago can be devastating. Rehabilitation physicians and counselors knowledgeable of post-polio syndrome and its possible impact on employment can have a positive influence on persons with PPS.
Elrod
Lisa M
LM
CARE Department, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA.
Jabben
Merten
M
Oswald
Gina
G
Szirony
Gary Michael
GM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology