What treatment is available?

Polio survivors have weakened nervous systems, and so it is important to protect the nervous system by avoiding or using the following drugs with caution:

Beta Blockers e.g. propranolol.
Benzo diazepines e.g. diazepam.
Other central nervous system depressants e.g. oxazepam.
Muscle relaxants e.g. orphenadrine, diazepam.
Local and general anesthetics can also cause problems.

Patients should be advised to conserve energy by slowing down and using aids such as calipers and wheelchairs.

Gentle stretching exercises and relaxation techniques are beneficial.

Referrals to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and dieticians are important, and alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture have proved to be helpful.

Case study - Geraldine Murray

Geraldine, 65, from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire, has the symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome.

She was diagnosed with polio in 1949, which affected her spine, legs and arms.

Geraldine spent a year in hospital and when released she had to sleep with splints on her arms and legs, and a plaster cast around her torso. She said: “I felt segregated at school as I was only allowed out for 10 minutes after the other children.”

Geraldine went on to work and lead a normal life, but 25 years ago she began to feel unwell again. She said: “I began to feel a general weakness around my body and then 12 years ago I began to feel severe pain all over.”

With little information available about Post Polio Syndrome she felt frustrated, unsure what was wrong with her.

She said: “I think there is a sense now that polio is in the past and it’s not something you should worry about.

“When I found out about Post Polio Syndrome and the Scottish Post Polio Network it was such a relief. It was comforting to know that I wasn’t the only one suffering from these symptoms. My husband, John, helps me a lot but I feel so sorry for those people suffering from the symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome who don’t have anyone to help them.”

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