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In this Article

• What is post-polio syndrome?
• What are the symptoms of post-polio syndrome?
• What causes post-polio syndrome?
• How is post-polio syndrome diagnosed?
• How is post-polio syndrome treated?
• What is the role of exercise in the treatment of post-polio syndrome?
• Can post-polio syndrome be prevented?
• What research is being conducted on post-polio syndrome?
• Where can I get more information?
• Post-Polio Syndrome Glossary
• Post-Polio Syndrome Index
• Find a local Neurologist in your town

What research is being conducted on post-polio syndrome?

Scientists are working on a variety of investigations that may one day help individuals with post-polio syndrome. Some basic researchers are studying the behavior of motor neurons many years after a polio attack. Others are looking at the mechanisms of fatigue and are trying to discover the role played by the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction (the site where a nerve cell meets the muscle cell it helps activate), and the muscles.

Determining if there is an immunological link in post-polio syndrome is also an area of intense interest. Researchers who discovered inflammation around motor neurons or muscles are trying to find out if this is due to an immunological response.

Other investigators have discovered that fragments of the poliovirus, or mutated versions of it, are in the spinal fluid of some survivors. The significance of this finding is not known and more research is being done.

Where can I get more information?

For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at:

BRAIN
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
(800) 352-9424
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

Information also is available from the following organizations:

Post-Polio Health International/
4207 Lindell Blvd.
#110
St. Louis, MO 63108-2930
info@post-polio.org
http://www.post-polio.org
Tel: 314-534-0475
Fax: 314-534-5070

March of Dimes Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
askus@marchofdimes.com
http://www.marchofdimes.com
Tel: 914-428-7100 888-MODIMES (663-4637)
Fax: 914-428-8203

SOURCE: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health