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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

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Published on: January 25, 2016

Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects.

Miriam Ciriaco¹, Pasquale Ventrice¹, Gaetano Russo²

¹Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro and Pharmacovigilance's Centre Calabria Region, University Hospital Mater Domini, Italy.

Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics

|December 19, 2013

Summary

Corticosteroids effectively treat inflammation but can cause adverse effects, including central nervous system (CNS) issues like agitation and insomnia. This review guides prescribers on managing these risks and using safer corticosteroid doses.

Keywords:

Adverse effects central nervous system corticosteroids mood psychosis

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Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Neuroscience
Immunology

Background:

Corticosteroids are widely used anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents since the 1950s.
They treat conditions such as asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatological disorders.
Key mechanisms involve inhibiting inflammatory proteins (NF-kB) and inducing anti-inflammatory proteins (IkB, MAPK phosphatase I).

Observation:

Glucocorticoids' efficacy stems from broad effects on multiple signaling pathways via glucocorticoid receptors.
However, common adverse effects include growth retardation, immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and ocular issues.
Central nervous system (CNS) side effects, including catatonia, concentration deficits, agitation, insomnia, and behavioral changes, are often underestimated.

Findings:

This review highlights the correlation between corticosteroid administration and CNS adverse effects.
It aims to provide prescribers with a guide for assessing risk factors associated with these neurological side effects.
Emphasis is placed on encouraging the use of safer corticosteroid dosages.

Implications:

Increased awareness of potential CNS adverse effects is crucial for clinicians.
Careful risk factor assessment can mitigate neurological complications.
Promoting judicious use of corticosteroids and exploring safer dosing strategies is recommended.