Poliomyelitis

Overview

Poliomyelitis—better known as polio—is a viral infection that can inflame the spinal cord and brainstem, sometimes leading to permanent weakness or paralysis. Thanks to vaccination, wild‑type polio has been eliminated from the UK since 2003, yet cases imported from overseas and late complications in survivors (post‑polio syndrome) still appear.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you can access consultant‑led assessment, fast blood and imaging tests, and one of the country’s most experienced neuro‑rehabilitation teams.

Why Vigilance Still Matters

• International travel and pockets of low vaccination mean re‑introduction is possible.
• Survivors may develop new muscle weakness, fatigue or breathing problems decades after the original illness.
• Early rehabilitation preserves independence, prevents falls and protects respiratory function.
• Comprehensive vaccination advice safeguards families and carers who travel or work in healthcare.

How Polio Spreads

• Person‑to‑Person Contact: the virus is shed in stool and, less often, through droplets from the throat.
• Contaminated Food or Water: poor sanitation allows faecal–oral transmission.
• Unvaccinated Travel: visiting regions where wild or vaccine‑derived polio still circulates (parts of Asia and Africa).

Symptoms to Watch For

• Flu‑like illness with fever, sore throat, headache and muscle aches
• Stomach upset or vomiting in the early phase
• Severe back or limb pain as the virus attacks motor nerves
• Sudden weakness or floppiness in one leg or arm—often asymmetrical
• Difficulty lifting the head, swallowing or breathing in severe cases

Post‑Polio Syndrome (10–40 years later)

• Gradual new weakness in muscles previously affected—or even seemingly spared
• Profound fatigue after minimal activity
• Cold intolerance and muscle cramps
• Sleep apnoea or shortness of breath at night

When to Seek Medical Advice

Call 01296 678 800 for urgent review if you, a relative or a recent traveller develops:

• Unexplained limb weakness or flaccid paralysis
• Fever and neck or back stiffness
• Rapidly worsening fatigue or breathing problems in a known polio survivor

Current UK vaccination status should be checked for anyone travelling to areas with active polio transmission.

Diagnostic Approach at Royal Bucks

1  Consultant Neurology Assessment – thorough history (travel, vaccination, prior poliomyelitis), neurological examination and respiratory evaluation.
2  Rapid Laboratory Testing – full blood count, inflammatory markers and stool or throat swabs (sent to UK reference labs) via our Blood‑Testing Service.
3  High‑Resolution Imaging – spinal MRI or CT in our on‑site CT Suite to exclude other causes of acute weakness or to assess old spinal damage.
4  Electromyography (EMG) – organised promptly to measure nerve–muscle function and quantify motor‑unit loss.
5  Multidisciplinary Review – neurologists, respiratory physicians, physiotherapists and dietitians agree a personalised treatment or surveillance plan.

Treatment and Ongoing Support

• Acute Care: supportive treatment in an intensive‑care partner unit if breathing or swallowing is compromised.
• Vaccination Updates: inactivated‑polio booster for travellers or household contacts of immunosuppressed patients, coordinated with our Private GP Service.
• Specialist Physiotherapy: muscle‑strength preservation, joint‑protection strategies and tailored exercise regimes in our Rehabilitation Service gym.
• Occupational Therapy: energy‑conservation techniques, orthotic assessment and home‑adaptation advice.
• Respiratory Management: night‑time ventilatory support or cough‑assist devices when diaphragmatic weakness emerges.
• Dietetic Guidance: optimising weight and nutrition for weakened muscles and reduced activity.
• Psychological Support: coping strategies for fatigue, chronic pain and lifestyle adjustments.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Consultant‑Led Clinics: appointments usually available within one week.
• Integrated Pathway: diagnostics, vaccination, rehabilitation and respiratory reviews under one roof.
• Award‑Winning Neuro‑Rehabilitation Centre: therapy pool, robotics, gait laboratory and therapy garden.
• Seamless Links: direct referral pathways to tertiary infectious‑disease and respiratory units when advanced care is needed.
• Comfort and Convenience: private ensuite rooms, free parking and easy travel from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polio Still a Risk in the UK?
Wild polio has been eradicated here, but imported cases can occur. Staying fully vaccinated is the best defence.

Can Post‑Polio Syndrome Be Stopped?
There is no cure, but pacing activity, maintaining strength and using assistive devices early slow decline and improve quality of life.

Should Adults Get a Booster?
If you received a full childhood course, one single booster is recommended before travel to high‑risk regions or healthcare work with potentially unvaccinated patients.

Protect Your Nerves and Independence

Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to arrange your poliomyelitis or post‑polio syndrome consultation and tailored rehabilitation plan.