Polio

How to recognize polio? Weak muscles; mostly in the legs but may effect whole body Floppy; not stiff Often begins when the child is young, often during an illness (like a cold with fever, sometimes diarrhea) In time, difficulties stretching the affected limb (contractures) Affected side is often thinner and shorter Unaffected arms or legs often become extra strong Normal intelligence

Questions How common? Polio in Sri Lanka has been greatly reduced. But there are still a lot of adults with it! What causes it? A virus of the spinal cord that damages the nerves that control movement. Is polio contagious? Not after 2 weeks from when the child first gets sick with polio. At what age? Polio often attacks babies from 8 – 24 months, sometimes children up to 4 – 5 years. Future? A person with polio can do a lot of things, go to school, learn useful skills within his physical limitations, marry and have children . In areas with ppoor hygiene and lack of latrines, the polio infection spreads when the stool of a sick child reaches the mouth of a healthy child. Polio can also be spread through coffing and sneezing. When a child with a cold caused by the polio virus is given an injection of any medication, the irritation caused by the injection can bring on paralysis)

Problems Shortening of the muscles; movements of the legs or arm becomes limited. Early prevention through exercises is important. Dislocations (knee, foot, hip, shoulder, elbow, thumb) and overstretched joints Spinal curve caused by muscle misbalance and weakness of the body muscles. Good positioning is important A contracture most often be corrected before braces can be fitted and walking is possible. Correction through cast or surgery is costly, takes time and causes discomfort.

Confusion Polio; Irregular pattern of paralysis Cerebral Palsy Uncontrolled Movements Tense muscles (spasticity)

What to do? No medicines help During the illness; Rest, avoid forceful exercises (may increase paralysis) Look for positions (lying, supported sitting) that are comfortable and avoid / prevent contractures. Surgery against contractures

What to do? Exercises to keep full range of motion to prevent contractures After the illness (as soon as the fever has dropped), lifelong Strengthen muscles that are still working, especially the arms (after the illness, as soon as the fever has dropped) Gait training; calipers, parallel bars, walker, crutches, cane Calipers and braces; to prevent deformities and help the child to move better. Wheelchair or tricycle

Calipers Each person with polio is unique and has a different combination and severity of paralyzed muscles. He will have his own special needs. That makes it difficult, but also challenging.

Calipers Use no more bracing than needed Check regularly for pressure sores Calipers and braces should; Not hurt ! Be checked regularly if they still fit well.

Will my child walk? Strong shoulders and arms (for using crutches) Straight legs

Don`t hold back! Do not led a person's physical disability hold back his physical, mental and social development. Provide opportunities for the person to; Lead an active life Take part in games and activities Go to school, learn a job and work!