Polio

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to paralysis, breathing problems, or even death. The term poliomyelitis is from the Greek poliós meaning "grey", myelósreferencing the spinal cord, and -itis meaning inflammation. 

Polio can be classified as either symptomatic or asymptomatic. About 95% of all cases display no symptoms (asymptomatic polio), and between 4% and 8% of cases display symptoms (symptomatic polio). Symptomatic polio can be broken down further into a mild form called nonparalytic or abortive polio and a severe form called paralytic polio (occurring in 0.1% to 2% of cases). 

Paralytic polio also may be classified as:

• Spinal polio - attacks motor neurons in the spinal cord and causes paralysis in arms and legs and breathing problems


• Bulbar polio - affects neurons responsible for sight, vision, taste, swallowing, and breathing


• Bulbospinal polio - both spinal and bulbar polio

Many people with nonparalytic polio are able to make a full recovery, while those with paralytic polio generally end up with permanent paralysis.