Polio - Diagnosing post-polio syndrome

It can be difficult to diagnose post-polio syndrome (PPS) because there are no tests to definitively confirm a diagnosis, and PPS may initially be mistaken for other conditions.

Your GP may suspect PPS based on your medical history and the results of a physical examination. For example, PPS may be suspected if you know you have had polio in the past and you've had a long period without symptoms (usually at least 15 years) after the initial infection.

Your GP will also ask you when you first noticed your symptoms. The symptoms of PPS usually develop gradually, so if your symptoms developed suddenly, they may be the result of a different condition.

As the symptoms of PPS are similar to those of several other conditions, such as arthritis, your GP will try to rule out any other possible causes of your illness. You may have to undergo a series of tests or procedures, depending on what your GP suspects could be causing your illness.

For example, you may have a blood test. Someone with PPS will usually have normal blood test results, but an abnormal result is a strong indication that your symptoms are being caused by a different condition.

You may also have X-rays of your chest and spine or joints.

Referral to a specialist

If your GP is still unsure whether you have PPS after these tests, you may be referred to a hospital consultant for further testing.

Tests you may have to rule out other conditions, or to confirm the likelihood of PPS, include:  

• electromyography (EMG) tests to determine whether polio has damaged your nerves and muscles (an EMG measures the electrical activity in your muscles and nerves)
• sleep studies if you are having problems sleeping or are feeling unusually tired
• tests to check your heart rate and function
• a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a type of imaging scan that can look inside your spine
• lung function tests to measure how well you can breathe in and out
• tests to investigate swallowing problems

It is possible to have PPS as well as other conditions, so not every health problem or symptom you experience may be related to the condition.