British Polio Fellowship Leads Discussion On Use Of Orthotics In The Treatment Of Post Polio Syndrome

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 08 Mar 2011 - 0:00 PDT

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The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) conference (4 - 6 March) featured a joint presentation on the effects of Post Polio Syndrome (PPS), a neurological condition that can occur in those who contracted polio.

The speech, focusing on the use of orthotics in PPS treatment, was given by Dr Mark Edworthy and Dr Robin Luff, representing the British Polio Fellowship, a charity dedicated to the support of those living with the effects of polio and PPS.

Up to 80 per cent of those who contracted polio early in life have now developed PPS and frequently require orthotic solutions to enable them to maintain their personal and professional lives.

Dr Mark Edworthy, a member of the British Polio Fellowship Orthotics Panel, spoke about how orthotics services have enabled him to sustain his quality of life. He said: "I am an active individual and have demanding jobs as both a commercial pilot and professional speaker. I started to experience symptoms such as pain and increasing weakness and was eventually diagnosed with PPS.

"I rely on orthotics to continue working and enjoying an active social life."

Consultant in rehabilitation medicine, Dr Robin Luff, gave a clinician's view of the characteristics of PPS based on his experience in treatment. He said: "The impact of PPS varies considerably between individuals and simple interventions can be enormously effective. However, the analysis of the intervention required is not simple and needs considerable experience."

It takes on average six years to diagnose PPS and only 18 per cent of GPs know how to treat it thereafter. The symptoms of PPS include increasing weakness, fatigue and pain in previously affected or unaffected muscles, a general reduction in stamina, breathing, sleeping and/or swallowing problems as well as severe cold intolerance.

Source:
British Polio Fellowship

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