Which condition could be a consequence of abrupt cessation of steroid therapy?

Abrupt cessation of steroid therapy can lead to adrenal crisis, which occurs due to the body's inability to produce adequate steroid hormones in response to stress without the supplemental steroids. When a patient has been on prolonged steroid therapy, the body’s adrenal glands may downregulate their own cortisol production. Stopping steroids suddenly can result in significantly low cortisol levels, leading to symptoms of adrenal insufficiency such as severe fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, and potentially life-threatening complications. Recognizing the risk of adrenal crisis emphasizes the importance of tapering corticosteroids gradually rather than discontinuing them abruptly to allow the adrenal glands to resume normal function.

Other options like nausea, severe headache, and insomnia may occur due to various factors related to withdrawal or changes in therapy but are not as directly linked to the physiological consequences of stopping steroid therapy. Adrenal crisis represents a critical medical emergency resulting from insufficient steroid hormone levels, which is key in understanding the risks of sudden steroid withdrawal.