Sensory physiology assessed by evoked potentials in survivors of poliomyelitis

Abstract

Evidence suggests that sensory loss may occur in a proportion of patients affected by poliomyelitis. We hypothesize that sensory problems may be a lasting sequela in some polio survivors. Sensory pathways in polio survivors were evaluated clinically and electrophysiologically using sensory evoked potentials (SEPs). Patients with sensory deficits or abnormal SEPs were further evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-two patients were studied. The mean age was 64.7 years (age range: 56-81 years). Clinically, sensory impairments were found in 4 patients. Upper limb SEPs were normal. Lower limb SEPs were abnormal in 10 patients. In 1 patient, clinical and electrographic findings correlated with a patch of atrophy in the spinal cord, as shown by MRI. Sensory derangements may be found in a proportion of aging polio survivors. SEP studies may add sensitivity when evaluating sensory function in this cohort. It remains unclear whether these sensory abnormalities are related to remote poliomyelitis. Further studies are necessary.

Poliomyelitis and left ventricular hypertrabeculation (noncompaction)

“…That sensory disturbances represent focal seizures is rather unlikely since seizure activity had stopped at age 16 years already. Recently, sensory deficits were reported in a cohort of poliomyelitis survivors and attributed to atrophy of the myelon [12]. It remained unclear in this study whether sensory abnormalities were related to remote poliomyelitis or not.…”

Neurological Symptoms in Danes with a History of Poliomyelitis: Lifelong Follow-Up of Late Symptoms, their Association with Initial Symptoms of Polio, and Presence of Postpolio Syndrome

“…However, in the acute phase of PM sensory disturbances as hyperalgesia are also reported [26,27]. Few reports have been published concerning sensory involvement late in life [28,29]. Prokhorenko et al [28] found that 10 out of 22 IwHP had abnormal sensory evoked potentials in the lower limbs.…”

“…Few reports have been published concerning sensory involvement late in life [28,29]. Prokhorenko et al [28] found that 10 out of 22 IwHP had abnormal sensory evoked potentials in the lower limbs. Kumru et al [29] reported that PM patients have thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia more often than controls.…”

Psoriasis sparing the lower limb with postpoliomyelitis residual paralysis

“…7 Although poliomyelitis affects mainly the motor neurons, there is evidence that the sensory nerves are also affected. 8 The decreased local immunity might be in part explained by impaired neurogenic inflammation because neurogenic peptides are important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and denervation has been reported to lead to psoriasis remission. 9 Interleukin-12, a key cytokine in psoriasis, was reported to be a potential link between nerve cells and the immune response in inflammatory disorders.…”

“…Lateralization of T‐lymphocyte responses has been reported in both patients with stroke and patients with poliomyelitis, evidenced by the sparing effect of poliomyelitis on scleroderma . Although poliomyelitis affects mainly the motor neurons, there is evidence that the sensory nerves are also affected . The decreased local immunity might be in part explained by impaired neurogenic inflammation because neurogenic peptides are important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and denervation has been reported to lead to psoriasis remission .…”