19-Polio-like syndrome – Electrophysiological findings

Background Although viral poliomyelitis has been eradicated in the Czech Republic for over 50 years, lesions of peripheral mononeurons with acute onset, frequently accompanied by fever, have still been known to occur. Despite the fact that there are no sensory distrubances, and the paresis tend to have typical distribution, they are often accompanied by pain. In addition, muscle atrophy is a regular occurence. These acute motoneuron disorders and their possible combination with motor roots disorder are called “polio-like syndromes.” Patients Our group of patients consisted of 3 men and 1 woman with ages of 22, 38, 43 and 48 years. An infection resulting from tick meningoencephalitis was proven in 3 patients. All 4 patients had a febrile infection with meningeal syndrome, accompanied by the quick development of muscle weakness and atrophy, without sensory disturbances. Electrophysiological investigations Motor conduction studies in the affected segments were characterized by low compound muscle potential. In F-wave studies we often found a prolongation of minimal F-wave latency, bigger signal dispersion and decreased stability. During a needle EMG investigation robust findings of fibrillations and positive waves, with some fasciculations, were found. Motor unit potentials reflected the severity and duration of acute motoneuron disorder.