Steroids are drugs that are used to reduce the swelling that often surrounds brain tumours. Although steroids do not treat the tumour itself, they are very useful in improving symptoms and making you feel better. They may be used before or after surgery, or during or after radiotherapy.

Side effects of steroids

If you are taking steroids for some time, you may have temporary side effects. These can include putting on weight, indigestion, raised blood pressure and a slightly greater risk of getting infections, such as thrush (candida) in the mouth. Some people also have mood changes, feel low or depressed, have difficulty in getting to sleep or feel 'high' or over-active. You may also develop a higher than normal level of sugar in the blood. If this happens, your doctor will prescribe drugs which you will need to take daily to bring your blood sugar level back to normal. You may have to do a simple daily test to check for sugar in your urine. The nurse will show you how to do this.

If you take steroids for a long time you may notice that you put on weight or that your thigh muscles are weaker. Your skin may bruise more easily and may feel thinner.

These side effects may seem hard to bear at the time, but it is important to remember that they are temporary and will gradually disappear as the steroid dose is lowered. While you are having steroid treatment you should carry a steroid card (which your doctor or nurse will give you) to show the type of steroid and the dose you are taking. It is important not to stop taking steroids suddenly as this can make you very ill. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.

You may also have to take anticonvulsants (drugs to prevent epileptic fits). These medicines are often used for people who have brain tumours and also after brain surgery. There are several different types of anticonvulsants. Some commonly used types are phenytoin (Epanutin®) and carbamazepine (Tegretol®). Let your doctor know if you have any side effects. Sometimes it is necessary to take more than one type of anticonvulsant tablet.

If you have been prescribed anticonvulsants to take continuously you are entitled to free prescriptions. Your GP practice or hospital can give you a claim form (FP92A) to fill in.