Poliomyelitis

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Poliomyelitis, is a serious infection caused by a virus. In the past, epidemics of polio were common and were greatly feared because the disease left many patients paralyzed for life (Fetzer). In the 1950’s, however, a vaccine against the disease was introduced. Since then, polio has been nearly eliminated in the developed countries.


Kinds of Poliomyelitis

A polio virus may attack the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. However, infection by a polio virus does not always result in severe illness. Some patients show only mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, sore throat, and vomiting. Symptoms may disappear after about a day.
Severe polio attacks begin with the same symptoms as the mild attacks. The symptoms, however, do not disappear. Stiffness of the neck and back develops. The muscles become weak, and movement is difficult. Pain may occur in the back and legs, especially when these parts are stretched or straightened. If paralysis develops, the person may not be able to stand and walk.
Most people who developed polio do not become permanently paralyzed. Paralysis can occur in many degrees and combination. Spinal poliomyelitis is probably viruses attack the nerve cells that control the muscles of the legs, arms, trunk, diaphragm, abdomen, and pelvis. Bulbar paralysis is the most serious form of the disease. It results from damage to the nerve cells of the brain stem. Some of these nerves control breathing and the circulation of body fluids may also be affected.
Some polio patients suffer new symptoms about 30 years or more after the initial attack. These symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, pain in the joints, and causes this condition, called post-polio syndrome.



Causes of Poliomyelitis
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