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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Steroid treatment for flare up
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Steroid treatment for flare up
by patf, Feb 14, 2004 12:00AM
I have been treated with steroids three times since last April for MS flares. Each time, treatment consisted of 3 days of IV Solumedrol and a taper of 9-11 days of prednisone. I've heard a lot about of the dangers of long term steroid treatment, so I am concerned. I realize that each course of treatment is not considered long term, but is there a cummulative effect from many short courses of treatment? My last two treatments were for a single episode of optic neuritis. First treatment was mid-December and didn't work as well as my neurologist (and I) hoped it would. The second was the first week of January. My vision improved a bit, but still has not fully resolved. I'm wondering if it was even worth taking the treament in the first place. I realize that the treatment is to help shorten the effects of the relapse and has no effect on the course of the disease. I'm wondering if I shouldn't just wait it out next time. Please advise.
Thank you
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Feb 16, 2004 12:00AM
The steroids help to shorten the recovery phase of the symptoms. However, if nerve damage occurred due to the inflammation, then the steroids do not reverse this. The steroid treatments also help to suppress other areas of inflammation in your brain and may also decrease other relapses. If you are using the steroids intermittently then you should not have a problem with the long term side effects. However, if you are not on one of the other MS agents, it may be more beneficial in the long term. These medications (Avonex, Betseron, Rebif, and Copaxone) are designed to slow the prgoression of the disease. Good luck.
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