Poliomyelitis Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome of the disease depends on the form (subclinical, nonparalytic, or paralytic) and the site affected. If the spinal cord and brain are not affected, which is the case more than 90% of the time, complete recovery is likely.

Brain or spinal cord involvement is a medical emergency that may result in paralysis or death (usually from respiratory difficulties).

Disability is more common than death. Infection high in the spinal cord or in the brain increases the risk of breathing problems.

Complications

• Aspiration pneumonia
• Cor pulmonale
• High blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Lack of movement
• Lung problems
• Myocarditis
• Paralytic ileus (loss of intestinal function)
• Permanent muscle paralysis, disability, deformity
• Pulmonary edema
• Shock
• Urinary tract infections

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

• Someone close to you has developed poliomyelitis and you haven't been vaccinated
• You develop symptoms of poliomyelitis
• Your child's polio immunization (vaccine is not up-to-date

Prevention

Polio immunization (vaccine) effectively prevents poliomyelitis in most people (immunization is over 90% effective).