The following information has been made available with the permission of the Easter Seal Society of Washington. Although it does not imply endorsement, it is provided as a service for those seeking such information. Always consult your doctor before trying anything recommended in this information or any other publication. There appear to be many causes for the late effects of polio and the Post-Polio Syndrome.
Many problems result from aging of the previously damaged muscles and limbs.
If a polio survivor becomes ill from medical problems unrelated to their polio history, general debilitation may cause progression of their post- polio weakness and lead to new symptoms. Additionally, occasionally polio survivors develop unexplained new muscle atrophy and weakness. This condition is known as Progressive Post-Polio Muscular Atrophy. During the past five years, a Post-Polio Research and Training Program has been established at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Using modern rehabilitation methods and techniques, these polio survivors are able to be helped and can usually be restored to their customary levels of functioning.