Prognosis and duration

Acute Poliomyelitis

50% of people with paralytic polio recover completely; the remainder have a variety of residual disabilities. Paralysed muscles continue to recover over several months; however paralysis still present at 12 months tends to be permanent.

Since the acute disease is often contracted in childhood or adolescence before growth is complete, the disabling effects may be complicated by the normal development of the rest of the body. For example, while one leg may be wasted and paralysed by the disease, the other leg will however grow normally. This results in the affected leg becoming shorter than the normal leg. Similarly abnormal development of one upper or lower limb may lead to curvature of the spine causing deformity of the trunk. The chest may become deformed due to unequal muscle development predisposing to recurrent infections and breathing problems.

Although recovery of the respiration usually occurs, some people may need long-term assistance with breathing. They may continue to require mechanical ventilation at night, because weakened respiratory muscles function less effectively when the person lies down. During the day they are able to breathe spontaneously. Some people who have had bulbar polio have long-term difficulties with swallowing and speech.

In cases of polio contracted in childhood or adolescence the pattern and extent of the residual disabling effects stabilise by the early twenties.

Late Effects of Polio and the Post Polio Syndrome

Functional improvement for the individual is the aim of the multidisciplinary management described above, and many people can be helped in this way. Recognition of late functional deterioration and the post polio syndrome does not necessarily imply that the condition is progressive in that person, or that significant deterioration in function should be anticipated in the future. The condition often stabilises.

First award period – award for 5 years.

Thereafter an indefinite award.

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.

Amended June 2008