Optic nerve swelling and Prednisone? (any opthalmologists in the house?)?!
Question: My son (12) had a swollen optic nerve (in just one eye). The MRI revealed no tumors. The neurologist gave him a prescription for high doses of prednisone for 4 days. Then nothing.
Lots of questions:
Should I give him the medicine?
Do we need to monitor his reaction to it?
Shouldn't prednisone be tapered off?
Is is bad to not give it to him if his vision is already returning (haven't started the steroid yet)?
Answers: My son (12) had a swollen optic nerve (in just one eye). The MRI revealed no tumors. The neurologist gave him a prescription for high doses of prednisone for 4 days. Then nothing.
Lots of questions:
Should I give him the medicine?
Do we need to monitor his reaction to it?
Shouldn't prednisone be tapered off?
Is is bad to not give it to him if his vision is already returning (haven't started the steroid yet)?
My understanding was that oral steroids alone was no longer the recommended course of action, and that if *any* steroid therapy was considered, intravenous delivery was the preferred route, possibly with oral steroids to follow.
See sites below.
But I've not seen your son, nor am I a neurologist or ophthalmologist.
Optometrist, retired.
Prednisone doesn't need tapering if used for only 4 Days.
This is a serious medical condition and following advice given by lay strangers on the Internet is a very bad idea.
If you want a second opinion, please consult another neurologist. Or call the neurologist who saw your son and ask him your questions.