Abstract
A historical sketch of poliomyelitis is given.
The clinical manifestations, treatment and results
in cases of poliomyelitis are described.
The results of cases reported to have been treated
by serum are analysed and the conclusion reached that
serum is of no value in the treatment of the disease.
There is no known method of successful prophylaxis.
80% of the adult population are immune to the
disease.
Subclinical attacks are common. The tracing of
case to case infection is rare.
The necessity for early splintage and movement is
emphasised.
children who are so severely paralysed as to require
the use of a respirator have a very bad prognosis as
to life and also as to function.
The grading of muscle power is described and charts
submitted showing the progress of cases in the acute
stage, three months after the acute stage, and of cases
admitted years after the acute stage.
The chances of individual muscles recovering are
given and the importance of muscle charts in assessing
prognosis is shown.
most of the recovery takes place in the first
year under efficient treatment.
Recovery may take place under treatment in cases
hitherto untreated after many years.
Complications are described.
A bibliography is appended.
