What Is Polio?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Diagnosis
As mentioned, the symptoms of polio are similar to the flu, so a diagnosis of the flu may be reached in some cases. However, the presence of a stiff neck and back, and weakened reflexes, will alert many to the fact that polio, or another condition, might be the problem. In which case, further investigation will be needed.
In order to reach a diagnosis, a doctor may request a stool sample or take a sample from secretions in your throat. In other cases, it may be deemed necessary to look for the virus in your cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord and your brain.
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