28 Year Old with Polio and Back Pain
A 28 year old with the diagnosis of polio, is rare indeed in 2023.
He was tragically discharged as an infant in a foreign country, and thus was not immunized as an infant. He developed polio of both lower limbs with weakness, and atrophy.
What is Polio?
Polio is a virus transmitted through contact with infected people and attacks the anterior horn cells of the spinal and brainstem. The anterior horn cells are where the motor fibers are located in the spinal cord. If the brainstem is also involved, the upper motor fibers affect the arms and breathing, thus before the vaccine was effective at preventing polio, patients were decades ago placed long term in “iron lungs” to maintain their breathing. It is so rare in the United States, that this was only Dr. Lox’s second case in his career, as the polio vaccine eradicated polio in the United States. Polio is almost irradiated in most countries due to the effectiveness of the vaccine, and is still present in primarily impoverished areas in certain parts of countries.
Consult with Dr. Dennis Lox
This story has a happy ending. He was adopted by wonderful foster parents, became engaged in multi-sports para-Olympics, and is a gifted athlete.
Athletes and Joint Pain
He consulted with Dr. Lox because even at 28 years old repetitive stress leads to injuries. Treating early is always advisable, and for the near future he should do great. You never know what the entire story is until you meet the patient, and take a detailed history. He has a good job, he is happy, and no matter what happens in life, hard work and dedication can bring many positive results.
He was a fine young gentleman and a pleasure to help.
