Role of medical rehabilitation in postpoliomyelitis syndrome. A case report

Abstract

Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is characterized by a sudden or progressive loss of
muscle strength, muscle atrophy, muscle pain, fatigue, intolerance to cold, after a period
of at least 15 years from the acute polio virus infection, a period of neurological and
functional stability. No therapeutic benefit of the evaluated drug agents (pyridostigmine,
steroids, amantadine) has been reported. The reason for this presentation results
from the fact that clinical studies have demonstrated that isokinetic and isometric
muscle training can prevent the loss of muscle strength and reduce muscle fatigue.
Rehabilitation programs through physical-kinetic therapy are the only way to limit
functional deficit, playing an important role in the long-term management and care
of patients. The particularity of this case is the fact that the symptoms occurred after a
40 year period of neurological stability. The regular monitoring and inclusion of the
patient in complex medical rehabilitation programs are important in order to limit the
functional deficit and increase the quality of life of these patients.