For Purposes of Disability Claims Adjudication, What Constitutes Postpolio Sequelae?
For purposes of disability claims adjudication, postpolio sequelae refer to multiple physical and mental disorders that may be manifested by polio survivors many years following acute polio infection. Any one or a combination of these disorders appropriately documented by signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings will constitute the presence of postpolio sequelae. The term “postpolio sequelae” includes the documented residuals of acute infection as well as all other documented clinical conditions that have an etiological link to either the acute infection or to its residual deficits. Motor weakness is the most common residual of acute polio infection and is usually manifested by observable weakness, muscle atrophy, and reduced peripheral reflexes. These obvious clinical findings are used to document the history of poliomyelitis. Electromyographic studies may be used by clinicians in clarifying the cause and extent of neuromuscular impairment, but should not be needed for purposes of dis
