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Are Numbness In Arms, Legs And Face Signs Of Steroid Withdrawal?
Question: I began a course of Dexamethasone on 8/26 for a cervical sprain that was badly inflamed and painful. The Dex worked quickly and within 2 days the pain was gone and I felt great. I began with 16mg/day (4mg tablets in 4 hour intervals). I took 16mg for 3 days, then tapered to 12mg for a day, then 8mg for 2 days, 4mg for 2 days, and 2mg for 2 days, finishing the regimen on 9/2. Since 9/4, up into and including today, I have felt a numbness in my arms/legs/feet/hands and face. I have also been sweating profusely and have a general foggy/confused feeling that I have not been able to overcome. I feel very worn down and yet simultaneously agitated and aggressive, yet am ready to cry at any moment. I am taking frequent naps as I am getting overwhelmingly tired and am having very mild headaches off and on. I also have been having muscle cramps/spasms frequently as I come off the steroids. The psychological piece and the numbness are what scare me though. Is this normal? And if so, when will it stop?
Brief Answer:
Symptoms are probably related to steroids.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms and agree that these symptoms are most probably related to steroid use and withdrawal.
These would resolve in a week or so.
Please check serum sodium and potassium level in blood, as they may get deranged at times due to steroid use.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Symptoms are probably related to steroids.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms and agree that these symptoms are most probably related to steroid use and withdrawal.
These would resolve in a week or so.
Please check serum sodium and potassium level in blood, as they may get deranged at times due to steroid use.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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