Systemic Effects of Steroids Following Epidural Steroid Injections

AbstractPurpose of ReviewSystemic absorption of corticosteroids occurs following epidural administration. Central steroid response, including sleeplessness, flushing, and non-positional headache, insomnia, hiccups, flushing, and increased radicular pain, represents some of the most common immediate or delayed adverse event related to epidural steroid injections (ESI).Recent FindingsThe systemic effects of corticosteroids themselves likely represent the most commonly encountered complications that result from ESI. These include hyperglycemia, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, decreased bone mineral density, and others.SummaryThis narrative review is an up-to-date summary of the literature related to adverse events following ESI which are attributable to the systemic effects of corticosteroids.
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research