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Can Steroids Stimulate Seizure Attacks Despite Being On Antiepileptic Drugs?

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Posted on Wed, 21 Jun 2023
Question: My son suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome with Cortical Blindness. Nephrotic Syndrome started at the age of 6yrs and since it was relapsing, we had gone to Naturopathy treatment and at the age of 7years, his Potassium level increased to 8.7 due to the consumption of tender coconut/fruits and immediately undergone dialysis to clear this. During that time, his Urine Albumin level was 4+ and gave steroids in high doses and there was no change in Urine Albumin level. Then gave Cyclosporine and on the next day early morning, he had Seizures and admitted into ICU/Ventilator. We spend 3 months at hospital and health became almost normal but his vision/memory were lost. Now gradually picking up and if any infection comes, his urine albumin level increases and we are forced to start steriods (Wyselone). For the last 3 years he didn't have any seizures and around one month back his albumin level increased and started high dosage of Steriods. From the beginning, he is taking Encorate 200 & Frisium 5mg daily to take care of Seizures. Even with this support, this time he had seizures and the Doctor says it is happening because of Steriods. Could you please reply the relation between Steriods & seizures. What are the precautions we need to take to avoid the Seizures. Currently we are giving Wyselone 5 per day, Encorate 300-0-400, Frisium 7.5-0-10,New I site one each on alternate days, Nootropil 800 per day, Tetrafol Plus 2nos in a week, Nuerobion Forte 2nos in a week, Macalvite syrup 5ml per day .
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No direct association. May cause fluctuation in the blood level of other meds

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

As such, steroids are anti-inflammatory agents and have a rather protective role in the prevention of seizures. However, it is possible that steroids may cause fluctuations in the blood levels of antiepileptic drugs and therefore can lead to seizures. It is very unlikely that steroids would directly precipitate seizures. The primary precaution to avoid seizures is a religious intake of antiepileptic drugs as well as the proper intake of the other drugs prescribed. In case you can identify some specific triggers (like flickering lights etc.), they need to be avoided as well. Nothing else specifically.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Diptanshu Das, Pediatrician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3877 Questions

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Can Steroids Stimulate Seizure Attacks Despite Being On Antiepileptic Drugs?

Brief Answer: No direct association. May cause fluctuation in the blood level of other meds Detailed Answer: Hi, As such, steroids are anti-inflammatory agents and have a rather protective role in the prevention of seizures. However, it is possible that steroids may cause fluctuations in the blood levels of antiepileptic drugs and therefore can lead to seizures. It is very unlikely that steroids would directly precipitate seizures. The primary precaution to avoid seizures is a religious intake of antiepileptic drugs as well as the proper intake of the other drugs prescribed. In case you can identify some specific triggers (like flickering lights etc.), they need to be avoided as well. Nothing else specifically. Hope I have answered your query. Regards, Dr. Diptanshu Das, Pediatrician