postpolio syndrome

postpolio syndrome A constellation of symptoms and signs that appear years after an initial polio infection. Abbreviated PPS. PPS is characterized by new muscle weakening in muscles that were previously affected by polio or in muscles that were not previously affected. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and slowly progressive muscle weakness. PPS symptoms can be mild or severe. The exact cause is unknown. Diagnosis is made via history, via clinical findings, and by ruling out other diseases that may mimic PPS. Musculoskeletal problems can sometimes be helped with anti-inflammatory or pain medications, with or without surgical procedures. See also polio.