why does polio cause paralysis of the muscles?

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why does polio cause paralysis of the muscles?

nice and short

2007-03-01 10:15:59 · 2 answers · asked by ??? ? 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases

2 answers

Polio is caused by a virus. If the virus enters the central nervous system the poliovirus attacks and destroys motor neurons. The destruction of neurons is what causes muscle weakness and paralysis.

Short enough? ;-)

2007-03-01 10:29:10 · answer #1 · answered by Lori D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Polio enters the central nervous system through the blood stream.
The virus then attacks the motor nuerons within the CNS.
No neurons...no nueral firing...no movement.

2007-03-01 18:28:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋