Reversal reaction: the prevention of permanent nerve damage. Comparison of short and long-term steroid treatment.

Borderline leprosy patients with a reversal reaction were studied and short-term steroid treatment compared with prolonged steroid treatment using voluntary muscle testing (VMT) to assess the results. Prolonged steroid treatment was shown to be superior to short-term treatment and free of harmful effects. It is concluded that with the described antireaction treatment, permanent nerve damage can be prevented, provided that the reversal reaction is detected in time (within 3-4 months).