Using Prednisone to treat Parkinson's

[Yuyak]

I am interested in Parkinson's research on the use of Prednisone to treat symptoms. My husband has had Parkinson's for about 10 years and recently took 5 days of 20mg. Prednisone tables twice a day for a pinched nerve.  It completely removed his symptoms; he was tremor ... [More] free, clear thinking, strong voice, no walking problems, no slowness - NOTHING!  It was like a miracle.  He is now done with the Prednisone, and is back to where he was before.  There must be something we can do with this information to help people with their symptoms. I stumbled on your site and see someone else has experienced a similar situation with Prednisone.  Is anyone studying this? It seems a shame that Prednisone can remove all symptoms, yet it's not prescribed for PD

[LeeMSR]

Be careful with Prednisone. Studies show it has a benefit to regaining muscle function however long-term use can damage the bones and teeth and it is linked to diabetes. My doctor said it's an emergency pick me up.

[oldfarmer]

I have been to 3 neurologist in the last 5 years, even one at the Mayo Clinic..  The only way I am surviving is with 15 mg of prednisone/day. When I get myself down to about 12mg, all hell breaks loose.  Drunken sailor gait and stabbing pains occurring in my muscles. None of the neurologist will acknowledge that the prednisone does anything for my condition.  One neurologist told me it was sycological. If so then why when I forget my pills, does my wife notice be fore I do, that my symptoms are returning.  I have regulated my prednisone up and down for 5 years now.  I think I have a pretty good handle on cause and effect. I am just starting to get the diabetes.  A1c 6.9. It is so rare that someone has had a similar experience.  If you get this I would like to talk to you to compare notes.

[GrandmaBert]

You might also try Benadryl (or a prescription strength of the same medication); Benadryl calms the whole body shaking that I experience.

[daddysgirl1937]

Lou how did it go on keeping a regiment of prednisone?  My dad has a long history of diabetes and prednisone... in the past year or so he has been having "outbreaks" of what one doctor described at a "relative" of parkinsons.  The only think that seems to help is a stress dose of prednisone and then we have to slowly take him back down.  I can't seem to get below 10 mg without him having one of these episodes.  He has seen so many doctors in the past year... and nobody can really tell us what exactly is going on, but I really feel it's the prednisone helping  him, he was on a very small dose (2.5 every other day) for years that may have helped mask these symptoms. I'm weighing the benefits of quality of life versus long term effects of prednisone at the higher dose.  

[loucares]

My wife has parkinsons for 8 years. In the last several months a dramatic decrease in the ability to move began to where she was almost an invalid.
On Feb 14th she began 20mg Prednisone once dailyfor 30 days  to treat pain of shoulder/hand syndrome caused by arm strain trying to use her walker.
Within 2 days there is remarkable continuing  improvement in her functionality, movement and overall well being. She has 16 tablets left.
I hope she will be able to continue on some kind of prednisone regimen in the future because of the wonderful benefits evident so far.
Caregiver Lou

[sassypam]

I too have parkinson and i had rashes on my skin ,i went to my  M. D   and he prescribed predinsone 5mg and all my parkinson symptoms ,was less i have them but i could function and make me forget this terrible desease. I too would like to know why can a nerology prescribe this pill if it helps, PD patient,                                            THANKS PD PATIENT,

[ladybug1957]

I TOOKD PREDISONE FOR A LUNG INFECTION AND IT MADE MY TREMORS WORSE THAN EVER!  I HAVE HAD PARK FOR ABOUT 3 YRS

[trudylou]

I wish some one would tell me one way or the other...I've been taking medication for neuropthy..It helps the pain in my feet, but my hands are really bad at times.
I have a friend who saw an article about a pacemaker type thing that is inserted under the skin, like the heart pace maker, and does something to the nerves...Have you heard anything about this?
Thanks Trudylou