Through widespread vaccination, the global effort to eradicate polio has led to a marked decrease in the number of individuals suffering from poliomyelitis, a highly contagious infection caused by three distinct poliovirus serotypes, although serotype 1 is responsible for the majority of human cases [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. Poliovirus belongs to the group of enteroviruses, and as a result, its mode of transmission involves the human gastrointestinal tract and the fecal-oral route [1] [2] [6]. Namely, poliomyelitis is established as a disease that solely affects human hosts and the majority of infections end in an asymptomatic fashion [1] [2] [4]. Once the virus reaches the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it is secreted in saliva in the first few days and in feces for a period of a few weeks, during which direct contact with secretions can result in transmission of the infection [1] [2]. Poliomyelitis, when symptomatic, can present in many forms, including abortive poliomyelitis (a milder type that presents with GI or flu-like symptoms and spontaneously resolves in approximately 7 days), aseptic meningitis (neck stiffness, and weakness in some cases, may accompany constitutional complaints), and paralytic poliomyelitis [1] [2] [6]. Bulbar poliomyelitis is considered to be one of the most severe and most fatal forms of paralytic poliomyelitis, due to the involvement of the brainstem neurons [1]. In addition to acute flaccid paralysis, bulbar poliomyelitis presents with dysphagia, dysphonia, nasal voice along with nasal regurgitation, as well as respiratory failure, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and vasomotor disturbances (either hyper or hypotension or even vascular collapse) [2] [5]. Some authors describe a pure bulbar poliomyelitis without signs of weakness and limb paralysis [2].

• Snoring

  […] impaired intellectual function Sleep disturbances: – not feeling rested in the morning; – sleepiness during the day; – dreams of being smothered and/or nightmares; – restless and/or interrupted sleep; – fatigue or exhaustion from normal activities; snoring [post-polio.org]

• Dysphagia

  Bulbar poliomyelitis is a specific type of an extremely rare viral paralytic disease in which the typical findings of acute flaccid paralysis are accompanied by bulbar symptoms - dysphagia, dysphonia, nasal regurgitation, as well as vascular and respiratory [symptoma.com]

  […] the poliovirus results in extensive damage to the motor neurons of the brainstem which control the respiratory system of the body as a result of which a child affected with Bulbar Polio is likely to experience severe breathing difficulties along with dysphagia [epainassist.com]

  Dysphagia: diagnosis and management. Stoneham, Mass.: Butterworth, 1984. 29. Logemann J.. Treatment for aspiration related to dysphagia: an overview. Dysphagia 1986 ; 1: 34 –8. Citing Articles (43) Letters Article Figures/Media [nejm.org]

  It can lead to respiratory muscle failure, distress of respiratory control, dysphagia, dysphonia and dysarthria. Cardiovascular, sweating and gut mobility disturbances may occur. [physiotherapy-treatment.com]

  Bulbar paralysis with spinal involvement is more common in adults, most frequently involving the medulla and leading to dysphagia, dysphonia, respiratory failure, and vasomotor disturbance. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Hypertension

  Hypertension and other autonomic disturbances are common in bulbar involvement and may persist for a week or more or may be transient. [easypediatrics.com]

• Skin Rash

  rashes nausea with vomiting Paralytic polio In less than 1% of polio infections the virus may invade the nerves of the anterior horn of the spinal cord. [news-medical.net]

• Urinary Retention

  Fifty percent of adult patients with poliomyelitis experience transient acute urinary retention. [emedicine.medscape.com]

  Common manifestations of paralytic poliomyelitis in addition to aseptic meningitis include deep muscle pain, hyperesthesias, paresthesias, and, during active myelitis, urinary retention and muscle spasms. [merckmanuals.com]

  Paralysis of the lower limbs is often accompanied by bowel and bladder dysfunction ranging from transient incontinence to paralysis with constipation and urinary retention. The onset and course of paralysis are variable in developing countries. [easypediatrics.com]

• Flaccid Paralysis

  For this reason, physicians must include poliomyelitis in the differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis in patients who are from these areas. [symptoma.com]

  The affected muscles are no longer functional and the limb becomes floppy and lifeless – a condition known as acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). [polioeradication.org]

  Asymmetric flaccid paralysis may develop and progress over 2 to 3 days. Encephalitic signs occasionally predominate. [merckmanuals.com]

• Meningism

  Most people w/ abortive infections recover in Non-paralytic ascetic meningitis affects what percentage of patients Non-paralytic ascetic meningitis accompanies what infection Non-paralytic ascetic meningitis is characterized by what symptoms stiffness [quizlet.com]

  Common manifestations of paralytic poliomyelitis in addition to aseptic meningitis include deep muscle pain, hyperesthesias, paresthesias, and, during active myelitis, urinary retention and muscle spasms. [merckmanuals.com]

  […] with mcc 098 Non-bacterial infection of nervous system except viral meningitis with cc 099 Non-bacterial infection of nervous system except viral meningitis without cc/mcc Convert A80.30 to ICD-9-CM Code History 2016 (effective 10/1/2015) : New code [icd10data.com]

  Poliomyelitis, when symptomatic, can present in many forms, including abortive poliomyelitis (a milder type that presents with GI or flu-like symptoms and spontaneously resolves in approximately 7 days), aseptic meningitis (neck stiffness, and weakness [symptoma.com]

  Cf Aseptic meningitis. po·li·o·my·e·li·tis ( pō'lē-ō-mī'ĕ-lī'tis ) An inflammatory process involving the gray matter of the spinal cord. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome

  Guillain-Barré syndrome causes flaccid paralysis but can be distinguished because of the following: It usually causes no fever. Muscle weakness is symmetric. [merckmanuals.com]

  Other causes of acute flaccid paralysis - eg: Various infections Guillain-Barré syndrome Spinal cord lesions Neuropathies Myasthenia gravis Myopathy or myositis Investigations Serology: take acute and convalescent samples. [patient.info]

  Ropper, "Nonpoliovirus poliomyelitis simulating Guillain-Barré syndrome," Archives of Neurology 58(2001)iss. 9: 1460–4. PMID 11559319. Retrieved February 19, 2011. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 V. Racaniello and D. [newworldencyclopedia.org]

  "Nonpoliovirus poliomyelitis simulating Guillain–Barré syndrome". Archives of Neurology. 58 (9): 1460–64. doi : 10.1001/archneur.58.9.1460. PMID 11559319. Archived from the original on 19 April 2013. ^ a b Parker SP, ed. (1998). [en.wikipedia.org]

• Cranial Nerve Involvement

  Cranial nerve involvement Approximately 10-15% of cases affect the lower brainstem motor nuclei. When the ninth and tenth cranial nerve nuclei are involved, patients develop paralysis of pharyngeal and laryngeal musculature. [emedicine.medscape.com]

  Pure bulbar poliomyelitis involves paralysis of the motor cranial nerve nuclei with or without involvement of the vital centers. [easypediatrics.com]

• Lower Motor Neurone Lesion

  3 weeks) flu-like illness; 1:10 develop lower motor neurone lesions (paralysis of skeletal muscles subserved by affected spinal nerves), muscle atrophy and soft-tissue contracture with resultant limb/foot deformity (e.g. fixed equinovarus or calcaneovalgus [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Differentiation between a central (upper motor neuron), and peripheral (lower motor neuron) lesion is the first step in determining the extent of the disease. [clinicaladvisor.com]

The diagnosis of poliomyelitis is now rare in the developed world and is restricted to poorly sanitized areas that do not conduct standard vaccination protocols for poliovirus [1] [2]. Countries in which a high risk of an outbreak exists are India, Somalia, Ethiopia, Chad, Congo, Angola and South Sudan, whereas Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are considered to be endemic for this virus [1]. For this reason, physicians must include poliomyelitis in the differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis in patients who are from these areas. Apart from assessing information about vaccination, a comprehensive physical examination, especially focusing on neurological evaluation, might provide key findings in order to discriminate bulbar poliomyelitis from other forms of this infection. To solidify the diagnosis, however, microbiological studies need to be conducted. Identification of viral genetic material through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is currently the gold standard of establishing a poliovirus infection [1] [2] [3] [6]. The stool is the ideal sample from which poliovirus can be detected, but blood and throat swab (only in the first few days of infection), as well as the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), although rare, might be used [1] [2]. Alternatively, serological methods that detect antibodies for this virus might also be implemented, as their very high titers appear early in the course of infection and persist throughout life [1] [2].

• Atelectasis

  During active myelitis, precautions to avoid complications of bed rest (eg, deep venous thrombosis, atelectasis, UTI) and prolonged immobility (eg, contractures) may be necessary. Respiratory failure may require mechanical ventilation. [merckmanuals.com]

Also Read: Poliomyelitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Post-Polio Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis How Does Poliovirus or Enterovirus Spread, Know its Risk factors & Treatment This article does not provide medical advice. [epainassist.com]

Significant updates on bariatric surgery, Barrett's esophagus, endoscopic ultrasound, endosonography, treatment of liver disease, and much more keep you current on the latest advances. [books.google.com]

Return from Polio treatment to home page Return from Polio treatment to Neuro Rehab [physiotherapy-treatment.com]

Treatment. There is at present no cure for polio; once the disease begins it must be allowed to run its course. Supportive care is important, however, and proper symptomatic treatment can reduce discomfort and prevent some crippling aftereffects. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

THIS report is an analysis primarily of the incidence and prognosis of the various syndromes usually grouped together under the general term "bulbar poliomyelitis." [nejm.org]

Also Read: Poliomyelitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Post-Polio Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis How Does Poliovirus or Enterovirus Spread, Know its Risk factors & Treatment This article does not provide medical advice. [epainassist.com]

Prognosis is generally worse for the older children and in those who had a sudden onset of illness with high fever. Return from Polio treatment to home page Return from Polio treatment to Neuro Rehab [physiotherapy-treatment.com]

Etiology Causative agent Transmission route Fecal-oral route : absorption of poliovirus in the intestinal tract Rarely, droplet transmission may occur during epidemics. [amboss.com]

[…] grey matter. (2) Acute anterior poliomyelitis. poliomyelitis Neurology A condition characterized by the selective destruction of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and/or brain stem, ± leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and respiratory paralysis Etiology [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

Ongoing controversies regarding etiology, diagnosis, treatment During 2000 and 2001, an outbreak of 21 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis on the island of Hispaniola occurred, caused by a virulent strain genetically related to the type 1 Sabin OPV vaccine [clinicaladvisor.com]

This practical text also includes the latest information on influenza, global epidemiology statistics, and the recent outbreaks of Zika and Ebola viruses to keep students on the forefront of cutting-edge virology information. [books.google.com]

The evolution of poliomyelitis to global epidemiological significance from the 1920s marks it out as one of the world's major emergent infections of the twentieth century. [books.google.de]

Data on poliomyelitis surveillance and disease incidence are reported in ECDC’s Annual Epidemiological Report on Communicable Diseases in Europe available here. [ecdc.europa.eu]

Epidemiology Due to widespread vaccination measures, poliomyelitis has been eradicated from the United States and most other countries. Poliovirus is still endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. [amboss.com]

Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: Poliomyelitis Causal agent Poliovirus (genus Enterovirus ), types 1, 2 and 3. Type 1 is commonly associated with paralytic poliomyelitis and epidemics 1. [healthknowledge.org.uk]

Incubation time Pathophysiology The virus replicates in the gastrointestinal tract following oral ingestion → enters the bloodstream → potential invasion of the grey matter of the spinal cord ( particularly the anterior horn cells ) Clinical features [amboss.com]

A girl with deformity in right lower limb after polio, non copyrighted image from Wikipedia Pathophysiology of Polio Poliovirus is a type of enterovirus, a group of RNA viruses that colonize the gastrointestinal tract. [medcaretips.com]

[citation needed] Pathophysiology[edit] Muscle cells work by detecting a flow of electrical impulses from the brain which signals them to contract through the release of calcium by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. [en.wikipedia.org]

Describe the proposed pathophysiology of post-polio syndrome. 6. True/False: The March of Dimes is named after the campaign where Americans mailed in their dimes to fight polio. References 1. Halstead L. Post-Polio Syndrome. [hawaii.edu]

Evaluation of swallowing pathophysiology. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1988 ; 21: 637 –48. 23. Logemann JA. Manual for the video fluorographic study of swallowing. San Diego, Calif.: College-Hill Press, 1983. 24. Pezeshkpour GH, Dalakas MC.. [nejm.org]

As is the case with all forms of Poliomyelitis, Bulbar Polio is also a condition that can be prevented but not cured. The front line approach to treating Bulbar Polio is to treat the symptoms and let the infection run its course. [epainassist.com]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Polio: Information for Parents (American Academy of Family Physicians) Polio: Information for Parents (American Academy of Pediatrics) Polio: Information for Parents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [icdlist.com]

Through vaccination, the disease is preventable. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

Polio and prevention Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. [endpolio.com.pk]

Polio can be prevented through immunization. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life. [polioplusng.org]

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2. Melnick JL. Current status of poliovirus infections. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1996;9(3):293–300.
3. Howard RS. Poliomyelitis and the postpolio syndrome. BMJ. 2005;330(7503):1314-1318.
4. Kilpatrick DR, Nottay B, Yang CF, et al. Group specific identification of poliovirus by PCR using primers containing mixed-base or deoxyinosine residues at positions of codon degeneracy. J Clin Microbiol. 1996;34: 2990-2996.
5. Baicus A. History of polio vaccination. World Journal of Virology. 2012;1(4):108-114.
6. Porter RS, Kaplan JL. Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 19th Edition. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Whitehouse Station, N.J; 2011.