Question: Can post-polio syndrome (PPS) be the cause of a nerve ending problem over the stomach region? I have annoying, tingling pains over the stomach region at about skin level or just below. It continues on and off throughout the day but not serious enough to wake me at night. The doctors I have visited can’t seem to find a reason for the problem and suggested it may be PPS but don’t know enough about PPS so I end up with no solution for the continuing mild pain. Also, temperature appears to affect me and brings the pains on.
Answer: A tingling feeling over the stomach would not be a direct result of PPS, because polio never affects sensory nerve function. The only possibility that I can think of that might relate to your post-polio condition is if you have developed a problem in your back that is pinching any sensory nerves that come out of the spine and run along the ribs toward the upper abdomen. This is not uncommon in people with long-existing scoliosis who undergo age-related changes in their vertebrae. It could be addressed by a physiotherapist with special skills for mobilizing thoracic vertebrae and ribs. It could also represent a “referred pain” from a problem with your stomach or other abdominal organ. It should not simply be attributed to PPS.
Post-Polio Health (Vol. 28, No. 1, Winter 2012)