Is post-polio considered a disability?

If your polio symptoms are severe, you may be eligible to receive automatic approval to receive Social Security Disability benefits, and at least experience relief from the financial burdens caused by your condition. You simply must demonstrate that you meet the requirements set forth in the SSD blue book.

Is post-polio syndrome permanent?

The symptoms tend to get gradually worse over many years, but this happens very slowly and treatment may help slow it down further. Post-polio syndrome is rarely life-threatening, although some people develop breathing and swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious problems, such as chest infections.

How long do people live with post-polio syndrome?

People who recover from the initial attack of polio often live for years without further signs or symptoms. The onset of late effects varies widely but typically begins at least 15 years after the initial diagnosis.

Can you recover from post-polio syndrome?

There’s currently no cure for post-polio syndrome, so treatment focuses on helping you manage your symptoms and improving your quality of life. People with the condition are often treated by a team of different healthcare professionals working together. This is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

How many polio survivors are there?

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 to 20 million polio survivors are alive worldwide, and some estimates suggest that 4 to 8 million of them may get PPS.

How many polio survivors are still alive?

Is Post-Polio Syndrome painful?

Muscle and joint pain are also common in post-polio syndrome. Muscle pain is usually felt as a deep ache in the muscles or muscle cramps and spasms. The pain is often worse after you’ve used the affected muscles. It can be particularly troublesome during the evening after a day’s activities.

What year saw the worst polio outbreak?

In the United States, the 1952 polio epidemic was the worst outbreak in the nation’s history, and is credited with heightening parents’ fears of the disease and focusing public awareness on the need for a vaccine. Of the 57,628 cases reported that year, 3,145 died and 21,269 were left with mild to disabling paralysis.

When to apply for Social Security disability for post polio?

Disability Benefits for Post-Polio Syndrome through Social Security or SSI When post-polio symptoms significantly interfere with the ability to get around independently, breathe, or swallow, disability benefits are available.

Is the post polio syndrome ( PPS ) contagious?

Unlike poliovirus, PPS is not contagious. PPS affects between 25 and 40 out of every 100 polio survivors. Starting about 15 to 40 years after the initial infection, people affected by PPS can begin experiencing a set of health problems such as:

What are the symptoms of post-polio syndrome?

The hallmark of post-polio syndrome is new muscular weakness. This may present as weakness in the arms, legs, or trunk or difficulty with swallowing, talking or breathing if the muscles that control these functions are affected. Other symptoms of post-polio syndrome include muscle pain, fatigue and cold intolerance.

Can a polio survivor have weakness and fatigue?

Pain, weakness, and fatigue can result from the overuse of muscles and joints. These same symptoms also can result from disuse of muscles and joints. This fact has caused a misunderstanding about whether to encourage or discourage exercise for polio survivors or individuals with PPS.