Dexamethasone in cerebral oedema

Dexamethasone in oedema

Corticosteroids are thought to lower intracranial pressure by reducing the increased capillary permeability of the cells and blood vessels in the brain. Therefore, corticosteroids are used in situations where the cerebral oedema is due to an incompetent blood brain barrier, and are not recommended for treating oedema secondary to stroke or haemorrhage.

 

The oedema surrounding brain tumors, meningitis, and toxoplasmosis respond to high doses of dexamethasone.

Check also the topic glucocorticoids in endocrinology for a general overview of glucocorticoids and their effects.

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Which of the following statements about dexamethasone is FALSE?