Electromyography identifying where polio affected the body

On the topic of EMG’s identifying where polio affected the body

Question: I got the electrodiagnostic results of my "good" right hand. The doctor said there was evidence of prior, “old” anterior horn cell disease. Does this mean that Polio affected my right arm as well?

Answer: Statistically, the poliovirus affected all of the motor neurons that activate your muscles, even the muscles that seemingly were unaffected. For a limb to be weakened by the poliovirus, let alone paralysed, it had to lose more than 60% of its motor neurons. EMG’s can detect “old” polio damage and the death of motor neurons, which is what the physician meant by “evidence of prior, old anterior horn cell disease.”

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Coronavirus and PPS

Coronavirus and polio survivors

A recent question by one of our members

Question : If you had a clinician who would speculate, it would be a fantastic read to know whether PPS sufferers would be more affected by the coronavirus.

Answer :Yes vulnerable people at greater risk, as with flu older people are at increased risk. Good idea to maintain very good personal hygiene . Smile and don’t shake hands. Get the flu jab.

Response from Dr Booy infectious disease specialist, Clinical Advisory Group Polio Australia

Other source for more information on coronavirus see links below.

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200225-sitrep-36-covid-19.pdf? sfvrsn=2791b4e0_2 

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses   
 
Special Thanks to Michael Jackson Polio Australia Clinical Health Educator for sourcing information . 

Post Polio Syndrome being progressive

Question: I've just read Mia Farrow's PostPolio Letter again, (see letter below) but I still can't get my head around PPS not being progressive. I find that confusing. The alternative is that it is stable and doesn't get worse. I think we have all experienced decline and progressive weakness and pain. Can you explain what you mean please? As it stands, if I give this to any doctor with little or no understanding of PPS, I fear they will immediately hone in on the 'not progressive' and close the door to possible or further decline.

Answer: PPS is the result of overuse and exercise damaging already damaged neurons. There is no "disease" underlying PPS that progresses. PPS symptoms progress if you don't listen to your body and stop activities before your neurons stop you. Of course, after age 60, everyone loses about 1% of motor neurons every year and has lost a greater percentage of brain activating neurons just due to aging. If you start out with only 40% of your motor neurons after polio, losing even a few percent more is going to have some effect on muscle strength. As for doctors homing in on the "not progressive," they should be focusing in on your symptoms, activities and need for assistive devices to prevent, not close the door to, further decline.

The Post-Polio Letter Basic Facts about PPS for Polio Survivors' Doctors, Family & Friends. Dr. Richard L. Bruno, HD, PhD. Director, International Centre for Polio Education

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