Poliomyelitis (polio)
About Poliomyelitis (polio)
A contagious viral illness caused by the poliovirus. There are three basic patterns of polio infection: subclinical infections, nonparalytic, and paralytic. Approximately 95% of infections are subclinical infections and do not experience any symptoms. In its most severe form, polio causes paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death.Symptoms
Nonparalytic polio: Malaise, headache, red throat, slight fever, sore throat, vomiting, soreness in the arms and legs. Paralytic polio: Headache, fever, constipation, neck pain, weakness, paralysis.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify the infection and extent of the disease include: lumbar puncture, CSF examination, test for levels of antibodies to the polio virus, viral cultures of throat washings, viral cultures of stools, and/or viral cultures of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).
Conventional treatment summary
There is no cure for polio. Vaccination can prevent polio. Patients with paralysis of breathing may need mechanical ventilation (to be `on a respirator`). Antibiotics are given for secondary infections, and pain medications for comfort.Medical specialties
Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Poliomyelitis (polio).