My own opinion [not a medical professional, but one who's read widely about it] seem to indicate that it's useful for short, not prolonged periods of time. By short, I mean, less than 6 or so months? IF it's gonna get to an inflammation and get it down and keep it down it should do it in that time.
Benefits: puts down any infection or inflammation to enable one to function.
Detriments: weight gain, attitude changes, long term calcium and bone and/or joint changes, such as premature or sudden osteoporosis.

I can't speak for others here, I think you can get a sense if you use the 'Search' feature on the top blue bar...click it on and in the blank type in prednisone and see what folks with all sorts of neuro issues have to say about it...pro and con. That in turn, will probably give you a whole bunch of new 'key words' to web up and find all about!

Learn as much as you can about the real FACTS on prednisone and it's clones. The more you know, the more informed YOU will be when or if you decide to take it. Docs sometimes assume you know, forget to tell you, or don't care to tell you about both the benefits and pitfalls of any given medication. Search out the 'prescribing information' of the type of med you are taking and read all the fine print...have questions before you commit Bucks [$$'s] either yours or the insurance company's to your ability to take it and take to it with the best of all outcomes. What I do these days, is ask the doc for samples, as I often use my mail-in pharmacy and that takes up to 2 weeks. The good thing about samples? While it might not really work while using them, I will probably find out RIGHT away if they mess me up either mentally or physically. Example: I was prescribed one antibiotic at one time, and within 30 hours had developed a solid case of projectile vomiting! It was a side effect of the medication...Unfortunately I'd started it on a Friday and it Hit me Saturday...mid-day...had to wait [with infection still raging on] till Monday to call and get thru to doc and a new prescription.... The whole thing falls into one of my top 20 NOT FUN events! You get the picture. Hope this helps! - j