Polio is a disease caused by a virus that attacks cells in the central nervous system, often causing muscle paralysis. The disease was responsible for epidemics in America in the 1940s and early 1950s, when a successful polio vaccine was developed that stopped its spread. Although the disease now occurs only rarely, people who had polio when they were young often experience post-polio syndrome, or PPS, later in life. PPS is characterized by new symptoms of muscle weakness or paralysis.
Causes of PPS
The exact cause of PPS is still unknown. However, the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke states that is may result from degeneration of nerves injured by the virus many years earlier, or from loss of uninjured nerves that have been overcompensating for many years and succumb to the increased stress. Loss of nerve fibers may lead to weakness or paralysis of the muscles they innervate many years after the patient experienced polio.
Symptoms of PPS
The symptoms of PPS appear about 30 to 40 years after the original illness. Patients may lack energy or get tired after minor activity. Some muscles may lose mass or may feel weak. Patients often experience trouble sleeping and may become intolerant of cold. New symptoms may appear that were not experienced before, such as trouble breathing or swallowing. A doctor should always be consulted to determine if symptoms are caused by PPS.
The Role of Blood Sugar
Currently there is no cure for PPS. However, eating a good, nutrient rich diet may help patients maximize energy and minimize weakness. New Mobility magazine reports the findings of Dr. Susan Creange at the Post Polio Institute about the importance of blood sugar. Dr. Creange found that PPS patients need a steady, moderately high level of blood sugar to function best. Blood sugar fuels the metabolic needs of the smaller number of nerve cells, many of which were damaged by the original illness.
Role of Protein
Dietary protein is metabolized slowly and steadily into glucose, resulting in blood sugar levels that remain at a moderate level for many hours. Therefore, a good diet for PPS patients should be relatively high in protein. Dr. Richard Bruno describes a Post-Polio Protein Diet, which begins with a high protein breakfast. Good breakfast choices are cottage cheese, salmon or other protein rich fish, yogurt, tofu or eggs or egg substitute. Snack choices might include low-carbohydrate, high protein energy bars and lunch and dinner should also contain protein. In general, the diet should be low in fat and contain moderate amounts of carbohydrate.
Risk Factors and Complications
Although there is no way to predict which polio survivors will experience PPS, there are several risk factors that predispose a patient to the syndrome. Those who had a severe polio infection or who were adolescents or adults at the time of infection are more likely to develop PPS. In addition, people who engage in vigorous physical activity over a number of years may also be more likely to experience PPS. Although PPS is rarely life threatening, MayoClinic.com advises that complications may include frequent falls, respiratory problems or osteoporosis.
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