Over-the-counter pain relievers linked to improved recovery from concussion

Medical Xpress / American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting ^ | March 5, 2025 | Kyle Arnold, MD

[ConservativeMind]

People who take over-the-counter pain relievers after a concussion may recover faster than those who do not take pain relievers, according to a preliminary study.

The study does not prove that pain relievers improve recovery after concussion; it only shows an association.

The cohort study was conducted by the NCAA and US Department of Defense CARE Consortium and looked at NCAA athletes and military cadets who had concussions. A total of 813 people took over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after their concussion and 848 people did not take any pain relievers.

People who took the pain relievers were 20% more likely to have a faster time before they were cleared to return to activities with no restrictions than those who did not take pain relievers. Those at 50% recovery who took the medications were cleared an average of two days faster, and those at 90% recovery an average of seven days faster than those who took no medication.

People who took pain relievers were also about 15% more likely to return to having no symptoms more quickly than those who did not take pain relievers. At 50% recovery, those taking the medications had no symptoms one day sooner than those not taking the medications. At 90% recovery, they had no symptoms three days sooner.

Those who took pain relievers also had lower scores on tests of how severe their symptoms were overall and how severe their headaches were.

The researchers also found that the earlier people took the pain relievers after the injury, the faster they recovered.

There was no difference between the type of pain reliever taken and how quickly people recovered.

[ConservativeMind]

It would appear pain relievers do reduce inflammation processes enough to actually help heal brains early.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[Pontiac]

I have read of other studies that show that the quality of sleep greatly effects the healing of brains

Less pain equals better sleep.