Question: Are gabapentin or pregabalin effective medications for post-polio neurological damage, the type of damage that leads to leg and hand muscle cramps? Answer: Gabapentin and pregabalin are only approved for control of seizures and fibromyalgia (in the case of pregabalin). There are no studies supporting their effective-ness for leg cramps in post-polio survivors or others. Gabapentin is the most …
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Are There Any New Medicines That Can Improve Muscle Functioning in Those with Post-Polio Syndrome?
Question: I am a 61-year-old female who has recently been diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. I am looking for the latest research on improving muscle function in the affected limb. Are there new medicines that can improve muscle functioning? Answer: Research studies have demonstrated that muscle strength and endurance can be improved among polio survivors, even those diagnosed with PPS, through …
Should Polio Survivors Take Beta Blockers and Do They Work for Atrial Fibrillation?
Question: I’m interested in finding out if polio survivors should or should not take beta blockers. I have atrial fibrillation and the doctors keep trying me on beta blockers and I have trouble taking them. Do they work for atrial fibrillation? Answer: Some polio survivors can tolerate, and benefit from, taking beta blockers, but many are unable to tolerate them …
Shoulder Replacement in Polio Survivors.
Question: I have a severe rotator cuff tear and an orthopedic surgeon has recommended a shoulder replacement because of the severity of the tear and the presence of significant arthritis. I had polio in my right leg and use my left leg to lift/stabilize myself on crutches. Apparently the increased dependency has weakened my arms and, perhaps, injured them. The …
Do Those with Post-Polio Syndrome Need Higher Medication Doses?
Question: My father-in-law is 88 years old and has post-polio syndrome. He has had trouble sleeping for the past several years, and he claims that it “takes more medication for people with post-polio syndrome.” My wife is his caregiver and controls his medications so he will not overdose. What is your professional opinion? Answer: Your father-in-law is mistaken about need …
Muscle Regeneration in Polio Survivors and Bracing
Question: I am a polio survivor with PPS. Recently I began to suffer severe knee instability, but a sports medicine specialist recommended against braces, saying they would inhibit the muscles from regenerating. It seems to me that polio-atrophied muscles will not regenerate anyway and that braces would at least help to prevent collapse. Your thoughts? Answer: If your knee instability …
What is the Current Thinking on the Use of the Drug Lamotrigine for the Stabilization of PPS?
Question: What is the current thinking on the use of the drug lamotrigine for the stabilization of PPS? Is there data to show it is effective without significant side effects? It has been ordered for me by my neurologist at 100 mg twice daily. I am 81 and reluctant to start this drug as the side effects are very scary, …
Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment (CCT) and Polio Survivors
Question: I was recently diagnosed with cancer. My oncologist has recommended chemotherapy. Are are there any specific concerns polio survivors should have regarding chemotherapy that my oncologist might not be aware of? How will it affect my post-polio weakened muscles? Are there specific side-effects that tend to be more severe among patients with a prior history of polio? Is there …
Any Study on the Long-term Usage of Gabapentin for Post-Polio Pain?
Question: I would like your take on using drugs such as gabapentin for use in treating PPS pain. With the new drug laws, my doctor has prescribed this drug for pain instead of the hydrocodone I was taking. (Editor’s Note: Under a final rule issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, hydrocodone combination products are now in a more restrictive …
Are Cortisone Injections Advisable for People with Post-Polio Syndrome?
Question: I am a 68-year-old paralytic polio survivor from the 1955 polio epidemic. I use two leg braces and a variety of assistive devices. My arms were also totally involved but recovered well. My main problem now is increased weakness and pain in my arms as I depend on them more for transfers. My primary care physician recommended using 600 …
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