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Polio causes a vast array of symptoms, with varying severity. Once contracted the symptoms expressed by an individual depend upon the particular strain of the virus, and whether the virus directly affects the Central Nervous System. Polio can be the causative factor in the process of an individual developing temporary or permanent paralysis, this however depends upon the area in which the virus affects. Furthermore, Polio has the potential to affect an individual later on in life. On average 35 years after Polio is first contracted, various symptoms have a relatively high likelihood of arising, this is known as Post-Polio syndrome.
Non Paralytic Polio
In the case where an individual does contract the Polio virus, however the virus does not attack the function of the Central Nervous System, paralysis does not result. However individuals do have the potential to express mild flu like symptoms that on average tend to last for a period of 10 days. Some examples of these observable symptoms include:
Paralytic Polio
However in the case where an individual contracts Polio, but the virus in turn does enter the Central Nervous System, several effects have the potential to result. In the initial phases (post infection), symptoms including headaches and fevers appear to replicate those of Non-Paralytic Polio. Within a period of 7 days, these initial symptoms however fade giving way to more serious physical symptoms, which are associated with paralytic polio. These include:
Post-Polio Syndrome
Post-Polio syndrome is where prolific symptoms return and affect an individual who had once been affected by polio, several years on. These symptoms are often debilitating and can have severe effects upon an individuals well being. These symptoms include:
Currently, the exact reason for the return of these symptoms years after the initial infection, has not been concluded. However the most widely accepted theory behind this is the idea of degenerating nerve cells. "A polio infection often leaves many of the individuals motor neurons destroyed or damaged. To compensate for the resulting neuron shortage, the remaining neurons sprout new fibres, and the surviving motor units become enlarged. This promotes recovery of the use of your muscles, but it also places added stress on the nerve cell body to nourish the additional fibres. Over the years, this stress may be more than the neuron can handle, leading to the gradual deterioration of the sprouted fibres and, eventually, of the neuron itself", (Mayoclinic, 2014).
Non Paralytic Polio
In the case where an individual does contract the Polio virus, however the virus does not attack the function of the Central Nervous System, paralysis does not result. However individuals do have the potential to express mild flu like symptoms that on average tend to last for a period of 10 days. Some examples of these observable symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Meningitis
- Muscle weakness and tenderness
- Back and Neck Pain/Stiffness
- Headaches and Migraines
Paralytic Polio
However in the case where an individual contracts Polio, but the virus in turn does enter the Central Nervous System, several effects have the potential to result. In the initial phases (post infection), symptoms including headaches and fevers appear to replicate those of Non-Paralytic Polio. Within a period of 7 days, these initial symptoms however fade giving way to more serious physical symptoms, which are associated with paralytic polio. These include:
- Increase in severe muscle aches and weakness,
- Limited reflexes/ potential loss of,
- Flaccid Paralysis, where the limbs become loose and droopy.
Post-Polio Syndrome
Post-Polio syndrome is where prolific symptoms return and affect an individual who had once been affected by polio, several years on. These symptoms are often debilitating and can have severe effects upon an individuals well being. These symptoms include:
- Muscle Atrophy
- Breathing and swallowing issues
- Sleep Apnea, and other sleep-related breathing disorders
- Muscle and Joint weakness/pain
- Cognitive issues, including issues with memory retention and concentration
Currently, the exact reason for the return of these symptoms years after the initial infection, has not been concluded. However the most widely accepted theory behind this is the idea of degenerating nerve cells. "A polio infection often leaves many of the individuals motor neurons destroyed or damaged. To compensate for the resulting neuron shortage, the remaining neurons sprout new fibres, and the surviving motor units become enlarged. This promotes recovery of the use of your muscles, but it also places added stress on the nerve cell body to nourish the additional fibres. Over the years, this stress may be more than the neuron can handle, leading to the gradual deterioration of the sprouted fibres and, eventually, of the neuron itself", (Mayoclinic, 2014).