poliomyelitis
n. an inflammatory process due to viral infection. In minor cases, it is characterized by fever, headache, sore throat, and vomiting that typically disappear within 72 hours. In major cases, the inflammation affects the gray matter of the spinal cord and may lead to muscular weakness and paralysis, which can affect the muscles controlled by autonomic nerves, as well as skeletal muscles, so that breathing, swallowing, or similar functions are disrupted. Cognitive problems may arise as a secondary result of breathing difficulties. Also called infantile paralysis; polio.