Poliomyelitis & Post-Polio
Which part of the spinal cord is primarily affected by polio?
Anterior horn cells
When does peripheral nerve regeneration usually begin?
~1 month after injury
Which spinal roots form the brachial plexus?
C5–T1
Myopathic diseases affect what part of the motor unit?
the muscle itself
What type of pack is used acutely in polio to reduce pain and promote relaxation?
✅ Warm pack (thermotherapy)
True or False: Polio affects both motor and sensory roots.
False (only motor, sensation intact)
Which type of lesion regenerates faster: proximal or distal?
Proximal
Injury to C5–C6 roots causes which palsy?
Erb–Duchenne palsy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy usually begins in which muscle group?
Pelvic girdle & legs
What type of exercise is performed without moving the joint?
✅ Isometric (muscle-setting) exercise
What is one hallmark symptom of post-polio syndrome?
Progressive fatigue and muscle weakness
What symptom often occurs at night with nerve injuries?
Paresthesia (tingling, burning, numbness)
Which two muscles are innervated by the axillary nerve?
Deltoid and teres minor
What gait pattern is common in muscular dystrophy?
Trendelenburg gait (waddling)
Resistive exercise is not attempted until the muscle can perform what?
✅ Full ROM against gravity
What skeletal deformity is common in post-polio?
Scoliosis
What term describes very small, spontaneous muscle contractions after nerve injury?
Fibrillations
What palsy results from injury to C8–T1 roots?
Klumpke’s palsy
Becker muscular dystrophy differs from Duchenne by what feature?
✅ Later onset, slower progression
Name one way to manage pain in post-polio syndrome.
✅ Improve body mechanics, support weakened muscles, lifestyle modification
What decade were the last U.S. cases of polio reported?
1990s (1999)
Which type of nerves recover slower—single-function or mixed nerves?
Mixed nerves
Which nerve supplies the triceps brachii?
Radial nerve
True or False: Muscular dystrophy affects sensation.
False (sensation is intact)
What must be avoided in OT rehab for neuromuscular disorders?
overuse & fatigue