POSTPOLIOMYELITIS SYNDROME Meaning and
Definition
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Postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) is a medical condition that refers to the onset of new or worsening symptoms that occur in individuals who had previously been affected by poliomyelitis, a viral infection that affects the nervous system. PPS typically occurs years or decades after the initial illness and is characterized by the presence of muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and in some cases, respiratory difficulties.
The exact cause of PPS is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of the chronic overuse and degeneration of nerve cells that had initially been affected by the poliovirus. These nerve cells may have compensated for the damage caused by poliomyelitis, but over time, they may become exhausted and unable to adequately function.
The symptoms of PPS can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time. Common manifestations include muscle weakness, particularly in muscles previously affected by polio, such as the limbs and the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing. Fatigue is often a prominent symptom, and individuals with PPS may experience increased exhaustion even after minimal physical activity. Additionally, muscle and joint pain may be present, as well as muscle atrophy and contractures.
There is currently no cure for PPS, but various treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics, pain management techniques, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications. Comprehensive medical care, including regular monitoring, is essential in order to address the various aspects of PPS and develop a personalized treatment plan for each individual.
Common Misspellings for POSTPOLIOMYELITIS SYNDROME
- oostpoliomyelitis syndrome
- lostpoliomyelitis syndrome
- -ostpoliomyelitis syndrome
- 0ostpoliomyelitis syndrome
- pistpoliomyelitis syndrome
- pkstpoliomyelitis syndrome
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- p0stpoliomyelitis syndrome
- p9stpoliomyelitis syndrome
- poatpoliomyelitis syndrome
- poztpoliomyelitis syndrome
- poxtpoliomyelitis syndrome
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- posypoliomyelitis syndrome
Etymology of POSTPOLIOMYELITIS SYNDROME
The word "Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome" can be broken down into its components for a better understanding of its etymology:
- "Post-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "post", meaning "after" or "following".
- "Poliomyelitis" is a medical term that refers to the viral disease polio, which affects the spinal cord ("polio-" deriving from the Greek word for "gray" and "-myelitis" from the Greek word for "marrow" or "spinal cord").
- "Syndrome" comes from the Greek word "syndromē", meaning "concurrence of symptoms".
Therefore, when combined, "Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome" refers to a condition that occurs after an individual has recovered from polio, characterized by the appearance of new symptoms and complications.
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