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Poliomyelitis
Signs and testsExamination may shows signs of meningeal irritation (similar to meningitis), such as stiff neck or back stiffness with difficulty bending the neck. When sitting, the person may need to support the body with the arms. The person may have difficulty lifting the head or lifting the legs from a supine position (lying flat on the back). Reflexes may be abnormal. The disorder may resemble encephalitis, and it may affect the cranial nerves and cause difficulty with facial expression, swallowing, chewing, and so on. It may also cause choking or difficulty breathing. Viral cultures of throat washings, stools, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) confirm the diagnosis (see CSF collection). Routine CSF examination may be normal or show slight increase in pressure, protein, and white blood cells. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to control symptoms while the infection runs its course. Lifesaving measures, particularly assistance with breathing, may be necessary in severe cases. Symptoms are treated according to their presence and severity. Antibiotics may be used to treat urinary tract infections. Medications, such as bethanechol, may reduce urinary retention. Pain killers are used to reduce headache, muscle pain, and spasms. Narcotics are not usually given because they increase the risk of breathing difficulty. Moist heat (heating pads, warm towels, etc.) may reduce muscle pain and spasm. Activity is limited only by the extent of discomfort and the extent of muscle weakness. Physical therapy, braces or corrective shoes, orthopedic surgery, or similar interventions may eventually be necessary to maximize recovery of muscle strength and function. Expectations (prognosis)The outcome varies with the form (subclinical, nonparalytic, or paralytic) and the site affected. If the spinal cord and brain are not affected, which is the case over 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. Lesions high in the spinal cord or in the brain are associated with greater risk for respiratory difficulty. Complications
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if symptoms of poliomyelitis occur. Call your health care provider if someone close to you has developed poliomyelitis and you are not immunized against the disorder. Call your health care provider if your child's polio immunization (vaccine) is not up-to-date. PreventionPolio immunization (vaccine) effectively prevents poliomyelitis in most people (immunization is over 90% effective).
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spread of infection to other non-immunized persons 
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