Shared peer advice from polio survivors about what works for them.

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News about people who have made significant contributions to the disability community.

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Facial Nerve Involvement in Polio Survivors

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I am a 74-year-old polio survivor. I have facial nerve involvement with paralysis of the right side of my face. Now I have problems with chewing, so I have to use a hand under my mandible to push it up. I have also started having laryngospasms with severe inspiratory stridor which has resulted in calling the EMS twice. Have …

Neurogenesis After Paralytic Polio; What Can I Do to Reduce Muscle Tightness and Poor Mobility in Affected Limbs?

Brian Tiburzi

Question: About 20 years ago at one of your conferences, the state of the art said “neurogenesis in muscles affected by polio was limited. The nerves died, new sprouts formed new nerves, but these new sprouts only had a 50-year life span, and thus, post-polio. Therefore, don’t overuse your affected muscles.” I need new motor neurons in my left calf. …

Stiff Neck and Back Problems Leading to Pain and Weakness in Arms and Shoulders

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I was diagnosed with a mild case of polio in 1952 when 12 years old. The polio affected my neck and upper back, and both recovered to the point where I didn’t have any visible physical problems. Over the years I have encountered a lot of stiff neck and back problems and was treated at pain management facilities. The …

Electrical Stimulation in Treating Polio Survivors

Brian Tiburzi

Question: I had polio in May 1951 at the age of eleven months. I used long leg braces and crutches to ambulate. I started experiencing fatigue and muscle pain in my shoulders and lower back when I was about 50 years old. I started using a scooter occasionally and gradually transitioned to a power wheelchair full-time when I started having …