When the side effects no longer seem all that bad IMO.
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
From Sarah Beaubien,
Your Guide to Multiple Sclerosis.
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Steroids for Acute Exacerbations
Overview of Steroids as Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
If a person is experiencing an acute exacerbation then a steroid infusion may be a suggested multiple sclerosis treatment. Corticosteroids relieve inflammation and close the blood brain barrier, which can often have a positive effect on the MS symptoms. (Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids often used illegally by athletes.)
Generally, doctors will recommend a four-day course of high-dose steroids such methylprednisolone given intravenously followed by a tapering of an oral dose as multiple sclerosis treatment. The most common methylprednisolone is Solu-Medrol. Recently, however, there is an extreme shortage of Solu-Medrol in the United States, so most medical facilities are using Decadron instead. The most common type of oral steroid for multiple sclerosis treatment is Prednisone.
Where is Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Administered?
Depending on the condition of the patient, steroids for multiple sclerosis treatment may be administered at a hospital or an infusion clinic. If treatment is given at an outpatient clinic, the patient should allot several hours: one hour for check-in and arrangements and another full hour for the drip. Bring a good book!
Side Effects of Steriods as Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Before receiving steroids for multiple sclerosis treatment, patients should be aware of the side effects and should arrange to be under the supervision of a physician. Some of the side effects include difficult sleeping, mood swings, water retention, elevated blood sugar, acne, indigestion and acid reflux, and irritability.
To counteract these side effects, doctors may prescribe pills for insomnia and stomach difficulties before the multiple sclerosis treatment begins. During and after the treatment, it is also important to maintain a diet low in salt because the steroids cause water retention and a diet high in potassium because the steroids deplete the body of potassium. Additionally, the treatment may lower immunity, so it is critical to communicate if any infection is suspected.
Healthcare professionals claim that there are few differences between Solu-Medrol and Decadron. Patients who have received both types of treatment may notice that with Decadron there is less hyperactivity, less heartburn, and no metallic taste in the mouth. There is speculation that Solu-Medrol is a more effective, but the outcome depends on the person who is receiving treatment.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “The side effects of long-term continuous steroid use are serious and well-documented. These include stomach ulcers, weight gain, acne, cataracts, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), deterioration of the head of the thigh bone, and chemical diabetes.” Talk to your doctor about these risks and what habits will help prevent them before receiving multiple sclerosis treatment.
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