Managing post-polio syndrome with medical cannabis

Post-polio syndrome is a rare condition that can affect patients who previously contracted and overcame polio, in which the symptoms of polio reoccur. In this article, a consultant in rehabilitation medicine explains how medical cannabis may help in managing post-polio syndrome.

What is polio?

Polio is an infection that used to have very high mortality rates, however, thanks to widespread vaccinations around the world, we have mostly eradicated the chances of contracting or spreading it. It spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, typically stool, and is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Vomiting and nausea
• Muscle pain and stiffness

The infection has the potential to worsen and impact the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness or paralysis, which can affect the breathing capability of a patient and be life-threatening.

In the 20th century, over half a million people perished from polio every year. It primarily affected young children with developing immune systems, which is why the mortality rate was so high. Survivors would likely have deformed or withered limbs, necessitating mobility aids like wheelchairs or braces, and some would need to live the rest of their lives in assisted-breathing apparatus like the iron lung.

What is post-polio syndrome?

Not every patient with polio will exhibit symptoms and most may contract and recover from the virus without ever knowing they had it – but, that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear.

Post-polio syndrome is a reoccurrence of polio symptoms that can happen decades after the initial infection – ranging from anywhere between 10 to 50 years –  even if there were no symptoms. It is not guaranteed to affect every patient who survived polio, patients with post-polio syndrome may struggle with living their normal lives due to the pain and weakness, and their condition is likely to worsen over time. They may develop breathing issues like sleep apnoea and struggle with swallowing. It is thought to be caused by the deterioration of spinal cord nerve cells over time that were damaged during active infection.

Unfortunately, post-polio syndrome does not have a cure. There are a variety of treatments available to help manage the pain, strengthen the muscles, and maintain the quality of life. These methods include physiotherapy, pain relief medication, speech therapy for swallowing issues, and mobility aids.

How can medical cannabis be used to help with post-polio syndrome?

Medical cannabis is also being considered for holistic post-polio syndrome management, especially for patients who have not been responsive to medications for pain and nausea. Cannabis can be consumed in many forms, such as inhaled in the form of smoke or vapours, infused with edible oils or fats, sublingually in drops, or applied topically on the skin.

Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which come together in different combinations to create a wide variety of effects. The ways that medical cannabis may help with the symptoms of post-polio include:

• Pain relief, especially for neuropathic chronic pain
• Sleep aid, as some types of cannabis (indica strains) can help with insomnia and induce sleepiness
• Conversely, other types of cannabis (sativa strains) can lift energy, helping to combat fatigue
• Muscle relaxant, as certain cannabinoids, can help reduce spasms, loosen the muscles and prevent atrophy
• Nausea relief and appetite stimulant
• Many patients with post-polio syndrome may be struggling with negative feelings, anxiety and depression as a result of their condition, but cannabis use can lift the mood

However, cannabis can have possible side effects that may be counterintuitive, such as short-term memory loss, paranoia and anxiety, hindered reflexes and brain fog, and a lack of impulse control.

Medical cannabis is legal in the UK since 2018, but in order to be permitted to access it, patients must have a chronic pain condition that has exceptional clinical needs and has not responded to at least two other treatments.

If you would like to know more about post-polio syndrome, consult with a specialist on Top Doctors.