A Look At Steroids in Brain Tumour Treatment Introduction The steroids used in the treatment of a brain tumour are not to be confused with anabolic steroids that are taken by athletes and body builders to build muscle. The steroids used in brain tumour treatment are specially created in the laboratory for medical purposes. Although the body produces its own natural steroids, sometimes a few doses of these artificial steroids are also needed during brain tumour treatment, according to the leading neurologists in Darbhanga.
These neuro physicians work at a super-specialty hospital in Darbhanga. The hospital is known for the best brain tumour treatment in Darbhanga, as well as the adjacent areas of Bihar and Jharkhand.
Uses Surgery and radiation therapy are part of the treatment of a brain tumour. But these treatments sometimes cause swellings which can put pressure on surrounding tissues and cause symptoms such as headaches, sickness and seizures. Steroids are given to reduce these swellings and relieve the symptoms. Steroids thus, are more of a symptom management rather than a treatment. Some people will be given a low dosage of steroids if they are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy and experiencing nausea. Steroids are also used to protect the brain at the time of surgery. Dexamethas one is the most commonly used steroid when it comes to brain tumours. It is useful in treating swelling in the brain. Such steroids are very fast-acting, and thus the swelling or any other effects caused by the tumour reduce fairly quickly.
How Are Steroids Administered? Steroids can be taken either orally as tablets or liquid medicine, or via injection which will be given to you in the hospital by your neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Are There Any Side Effects? Steroids are a medication that affect the brain, so it is understandable that it’s bound to have certain side-effects. These may include:
Feeling hungrier than usual, which if not managed can lead to weight gain Indigestion or heartburn Greater chance of infection, particularly by viral infections such as chicken-pox, shingles and measles Swelling in hands and feet Feeling thirsty or needing to urinate more often, especially at night Raised blood pressure (hypertension) Difficulty sleeping Menstrual changes Emotional effects, such as anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and hyper-activity