Steroids

[PastorDan]

I was wondering about the possible use of steroids in diagnosis.  If my balance and/or visual problems would respond positively to use of steroids, would that help to determine what is causing the problems, i.e., whether I have MS, migraine, or something else?  I know docs don't like to use steroids unless they are really needed, and this could be moot if steroid usage would help migraine symptoms, but if anyone has any information on this, I'd surely appreciate it.  Brain fog seems to be returning, and i'm just not up for doing a lot of researching, even if I had the time.  Thanks in advance.

[HVAC]

Steroids are used to bring down inflammation in many diseases. I was listening to an MS Specialist this week and he said steroids do nothing for the outcome. They are used for relief at the time. Basically they are one of the few old tricks and since science has little to offer an MS patient they fall back on steroids.

I am not sure if this true but I have  had two Doctors say even massive steroids at the beginning of ON will not stop the permanent damage.

I am one of the few with MS who has never needed steroids. I am hoping it stays that way. For those who do need them I am glad they are available.

Alex

[steph74]

Hi Dan,

If I'm understanding your question, it is: "If steroids help only certain diseases, the sx of which can overlap with other disease processes that do not respond to steroids, is it worth a trial of steroids to help determine the disease process (one that does or does not respond to steroids)?"

I've wondered the same thing and don't have a specific answer except that it seems that people who have dx'ed MS don't always respond to steroids.  Also, when I went to a NP for the horrible headache I thought was a long term migraine (now think it's occipital neuralgia), she rx'ed oral prednisone (helped while I was on it but the pain came back within 2 days of stopping).  So it may be that steroids are rx'ed for both MS and migraine.

Stephanie

[wadeheather]

I have had both oral steroids and a steroid injection for my right-sided pain, with no avail. In fact the injection actually made me more sore but increased my range of motion in my right shoulder.

I realize this does not answer your question, but it's been my only experience with it. If you do find anything out in it's favor, though, I'd love to know.

[PastorDan]

Thank you all.  Sounds like that was a rabbit trail.

[Ladybuggs750]

I wish this was the case.  Since steroids are used primarily to reduce inflammation in a number of diseases it would be hard to narrow down which one just by using the steroids just like the blood test ESR and CRP  measure the amount of inflammation in the body but don't give clues as to where it is or what is causing it.  I was on steroids for 18 months for asthma which in turn helped the heaviness in my legs and with migraines the only thing that can be agreed upon is that inflammation is present no conclusion as to what is causing it.

[Bliarg]

Hi

Steroids have many possible side effects and are serious medications to take.  I think docs don't like to give them without being certain that they're required....which is sensible, but not useful to limbolanders who KNOW there is something serious wrong, but haven't been able to get doctors to put a name to it and suggest treatment.

There are some scientific studies into the steroidal action of tumeric (you americans call it 'tuRmeric'?).  It has curcumin in it which has been indicated in some studies as being more powerful, with fewer side effects, than some steroids used by doctors.

I get what you mean about brain fog preventing you from researching.  If you would find it useful, I am well enough today and have some time spare - I expect I could spend a few hours a day for a few days researching for you and posting a topic here with info and sites that might help you decide if you would like to give therapeutic tumeric a try.

I take make tumeric capsules for myself when I am ill.  It seems to help me, but you never know with yourself whether it's the placebo effect or not.  Even if it IS placebo...still helps for psyche to have that hope.

Let me know if you want a research assistant for a few days!  I enjoy it.

[slightlybroken]

It's funny that you should ask this. I asked my mother this same question just recently. My mother is an RN and we were discussing my undiagnosed disease. I felt that maybe if they gave me some steroids it would pop me out of what was ailing me and at least prove that it was an auto immune disease or MS. I thought why haven't the doctors at least given it a try.

My mother said this would not be a good thing to try blindly. She said that steroids come with a whole list of problems/side effects of their own when used, which I knew but I really wasn't thinking of. She also pointed out that her friend that has MS, has been on the IV steroids and did not get relief. Yes, it brought down the inflammation, but it wasn't the quick fix and it doesn't stop the damage. The only thing that has helped her was the DMD drugs. Even after the steroid treatment she still felt bad.

Steroids also are used with other autoimmune diseases, and if it did respond, it really would not point out to which disease. There is so many, including MS.

I know Momzilla was having the same issue (migraine vs MS). She went to a migraine specialist. He ruled out her migraines as causing her problems after trying a certain drug for migraines. One of her major symptoms was weakness in the legs. Here is the old post:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Back-from-hospital-and-gonzo-Solu-Medrol-Tx/show/947236?personal_page_id=3357&;post_id=post_4448337

[Karen99]

I've also heard that Tumeric is a good anti inflammatory and have taken it on occasion.  .

There is a doctor from India on the neurology MedHelp forum who said that Fish Oil is good for Optic Neuritis and MSM eye drops.  

Ya never know......