The Polio Paradox Richard L. Bruno, H.D., Ph.D.

Guide Rating -

On the back of the newspaper clipping from a wedding in 1952 was a feature about ways to prevent getting polio. Polio epidemics brought terror to the world during the middle part of the twentieth century. The introduction of the Salk vaccine in 1954 put an end to the death and disability of Polio - or so we thought. The nearly two million North American survivors of these polio epidemics might beg to disagree. More than half of those survivors - adults in their fifties and sixties - are now experiencing Post-Polio Sequele with overwhelming fatigue, severe muscle weakness and chronic pain.

This book by Dr. Richard Bruno examines this condition and presents his treatment for PPS that has proven successful in restoring quality of life for many Polio survivors. Dr. Bruno is founder of The Post-Polio Institute and is the world's leading expert on PPS. His 20 years of study is documented in this book. He also brings up an interesting parallel between the polio epidemics, Post-Polio Syndrome and the epidemics of fibromyalgia and chronic Fatigue Syndrome we are seeing in the last few years. He feels that middle-aged adults diagnosed with CFS, who ere worn before the discovery of the polio vaccine, may have had a mild case of polio and may actually have PPS.

This book brings to life the experiences of polio victims and explains the mechanisms of infection and the damage that the poliovirus did. He also explains how the stage was set for the new symptoms that survivors are experiencing today. Included also is a detailed description of the Post-Polio Institute program that relieves symptoms and helps to increase function.

I found this to be a very fascinating book that looks at the history of a disease that was "cured" but still affects us all. It is well written, in language that the lay reader can understand. The book includes many illustrations and testimonials from actual polio survivors.

If you or a loved one is a polio survivor, or if you are a health care provider caring for middle aged or older adults I would highly recommend this book.