Post-Polio Syndrome Revisited | Interview with a Survivor & Case Insights

In this video, we sit down with Mr. Pepper, a 71-year-old polio survivor, to discuss his remarkable story and the late-onset effects of Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) — a condition that can appear decades after the initial poliovirus infection.
“I had to learn to walk three times in my life. For decades, I worked, traveled, and lived fully — but then, 30 years later, I started noticing new weakness, pain, and nerve problems. I never realized it was post-polio syndrome.”
Through compassionate care, adaptive orthotics, and physical therapy, Mr. Pepper has improved his mobility and learned strategies to prevent further progression. His journey reflects the challenges faced by many polio survivors — and underscores the importance of recognition, rehabilitation, and prevention.
This story connects to the 2023 research article “Post-Polio Syndrome Revisited” published in Neurology International, which explains how PPS affects 25–40% of survivors and can mimic diseases like ALS due to degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord.
📚 Reference:
Punsoni M., Lakis N.S., Mellion M., de la Monte S.M. Post-Polio Syndrome Revisited. Neurology International (2023); 15(3):569–579.
DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15030035
💬 Topics covered:
What is Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS)?
Early signs and symptoms after decades of recovery
Real patient experiences and recovery stories
Why PPS is often misdiagnosed as ALS
The role of orthotics, PT, and nerve pain management
Importance of vaccination in preventing new cases
#PostPolioSyndrome #PolioSurvivor #Neurology #ALS #NeuroHealth #PhysicalTherapy #MedicalEducation #Rehabilitation #VaccinationAwareness #NeurodegenerativeDiseases