How is poliomyelitis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for poliomyelitis may include the following:

• Cultures of the throat, urine, and stool
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.
• History of the child not receiving the polio vaccine or not completing the series of polio vaccines