Poliomyelitis

polio, post-polio syndrome(PPS)

What is poliomyelitis?

Poliomyelitis is a very rare, but serious infection caused by the polio virus.

Thanks to mass vaccination, polio has been almost eradicated in the UK.

If you’re not vaccinated, you could still catch it when travelling to countries where polio is more common.

What causes poliomyelitis?

Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus, which means it can spread from person to person. It is spread through infected faeces or through coughs or sneezes.

The virus can live on food or drink prepared by someone who’s infected, so good hand hygiene is very important.

What are the symptoms of poliomyelitis?

The majority of people infected with the polio virus won’t have any symptoms, but some may experience a flu-like illness, which can include:

  • A high temperature
  • A sore throat
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Achy muscles
  • Nausea and being sick

In a small number of cases poliomyelitis can affect the brain and spinal cord, which can cause:

  • Pins and needles in the legs, which is known as paraesthesia
  • Meningitis – an infection of the spinal cord or brain
  • Paralysis – this is not usually permanent, with movements returning over weeks or months

Occasionally, poliomyelitis can result in lasting symptoms, such as:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Shrinking of the muscles, which is known as atrophy
  • Tight joints – known as contractures
  • Deformities – such as twisted feet or legs

Some people who have had polio in the past may develop new symptoms many years later – this is known as post-polio syndrome (PPS). There is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms, which include:

  • Fatigue – including muscle tiredness and lack of mental alertness
  • Joint pain
  • Mobility problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Breathing difficulties and swallowing problems – due to weakened muscles in those areas.

If you, or someone you know has had polio before, it’s important to get these symptoms checked to receive the right support as soon as possible.

Find out below how we can support you or your loved one to live well with PPS.

Are you affected by poliomyelitis?

If you’re affected by poliomyelitis The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with poliomyelitis, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with poliomyelitis from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with poliomyelitis

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer or relative of someone with poliomyelitis? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including poliomyelitis, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance.
Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Other resources

Support groups

The British Polio Fellowship

The British Polio Fellowship operates throughout the UK

You can find support by location here.

BPS also host an online Zoom cafe, which you can register for here.

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up a poliomyelitis or post-polio syndrome support group, or do you already run one?

Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk

Alternatively, check out our list of related support groups here.

Other charities

The British Polio Fellowship