As there are diverse types of conditions that share the same signs and symptoms as the post-polio syndrome, for instance, arthritis, thyroid diseases, neuropathy, chronic fatigue syndrome, and scoliosis. It is important to establish a differential diagnosis in order to ensure the optimal treatment is prescribed for the patient. The tests that may be used to exclude other conditions are electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. It is where two electrodes are taped above the nerve that is being studied, and a small shock is passed through the nerve so that it measures...
As there are diverse types of conditions that share the same signs and symptoms as the post-polio syndrome, for instance, arthritis, thyroid diseases, neuropathy, chronic fatigue syndrome, and scoliosis. It is important to establish a differential diagnosis in order to ensure the optimal treatment is prescribed for the patient. The tests that may be used to exclude other conditions are electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. It is where two electrodes are taped above the nerve that is being studied, and a small shock is passed through the nerve so that it measures the nerve signal speed, it is used to exclude abnormal conditions of the nerve such as neuropathy. Furthermore, imaging is used such as an MRI or CT scan to assess the brain and the spinal cord, this is utilised to eliminate disorders such as degenerative spine condition or spinal stenosis which is pressure on the nerves due to the narrowing of the spinal columns. Also, muscle biopsy may be carried out to identify other pathologies that are causing muscle weakness. Finally, blood tests can also be employed. As proposed by, individuals with post-polio syndrome have normal blood tests, hence, obtaining abnormal blood tests demonstrate an underlying problem that is not posted- polio syndrome.
As there are different signs for this condition, thus there is no one treatment for it. However the treatments aim to manage the symptoms and contribute to the comfort of the patient. Some of the common treatments are physical therapy, where different exercises have prescribed that help to strengthen the muscles without causing them to fatigue. Besides to that medications can be used to relieve or ease the pain of the muscles or the joints.
