Post-polio Syndrome Causes & Risks

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. It is not due to renewed progression of the original polio infection. However, long-term damage to nerve and muscle cells caused by the polio may contribute to the development of PPS.

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing PPS. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Previous polio attack—the only absolute risk factor
• Severity of original polio attack
• Age at onset (worse for those who get polio later in life)