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People who take common pain relievers after a concussion may recover faster than those who do not, according to a new study.
The research was shared on March 5, 2025, and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in April.
The study does not prove that pain relievers directly cause faster recovery. It only shows a possible link between taking these medications and quicker healing.
Dr. Kyle Arnold, a researcher from the University of Washington, said the results are promising because there are few treatments for concussions. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are easy to find and affordable.
He added that if more studies confirm these findings, they could help doctors decide on better treatment options for concussion patients.
The research was conducted by the NCAA and the U.S. Department of Defense. It included college athletes and military cadets who suffered concussions. Among the participants, 813 took pain relievers after their injury, while 848 did not.
To measure recovery, researchers looked at how long it took for participants to return to normal activities without restrictions. They also tracked when half (50%) and most (90%) of the participants fully recovered.
The results showed that people who took pain relievers were 20% more likely to recover faster. Those at the 50% recovery stage were cleared to return to activities two days sooner, while those at 90% recovery returned seven days earlier than those who did not take pain relievers.
The study also found that those who used pain relievers had fewer symptoms and lower headache severity. They were about 15% more likely to feel symptom-free sooner. At the 50% recovery mark, they reported no symptoms a day earlier than those who took no medication. At 90% recovery, they were symptom-free about three days earlier.
Timing also seemed to matter. People who started taking pain relievers on the first day of their injury recovered about eight days faster than those who waited five or more days.
However, the type of pain reliever used did not seem to make a difference—whether it was ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or another over-the-counter drug, the recovery speed was similar.
Dr. Arnold emphasized that while these findings are encouraging, they need to be confirmed with more controlled studies. He noted that this early research might help guide concussion treatment, but doctors should wait for more evidence before making firm recommendations.
Analysis of the Findings
This study suggests that common pain relievers may help people recover from concussions more quickly. The biggest advantages seem to be returning to normal activities sooner and reducing symptoms like headaches. The timing of medication use may also be important, with earlier use linked to faster recovery.
However, since this study only shows a connection and not direct proof, more research is needed. A controlled study, where researchers carefully compare different treatment approaches, could help confirm whether pain relievers truly speed up healing or if other factors are involved.
Until then, these findings may help doctors and patients consider pain relievers as a possible option after a concussion, but with caution.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about dietary strategies to ward off dementia, and how omega-3 fatty acids fuel your mind.
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