A recent preliminary study has indicated that individuals who use over-the-counter pain relievers following a concussion may experience faster recovery times compared to those who do not. Released on March 5, 2025, the findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in April 2025. While the study does not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship between pain relievers and concussion recovery, it highlights a promising association that could lead to new treatment strategies. The research involved NCAA athletes and military cadets, suggesting that if confirmed, these results might offer an accessible and cost-effective approach to managing post-concussion symptoms.

The cohort study, conducted by the NCAA and US Department of Defense CARE Consortium, examined a total of 1,661 participants—813 of whom used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen after sustaining a concussion, while 848 did not take any medication. Researchers assessed the time it took for these individuals to return to unrestricted activities at both 50% and 90% recovery stages. Those who took pain relievers were found to recover more quickly, with a notable 20% increase in the likelihood of returning to activities without restrictions. Specifically, they were cleared two days sooner at 50% recovery and seven days sooner at 90% recovery compared to those who did not take medications.

In addition to faster clearance times, individuals using pain relievers also reported a quicker resolution of symptoms. They were approximately 15% more likely to regain full symptom relief earlier, experiencing no symptoms one day sooner at 50% recovery and three days sooner at 90% recovery. Furthermore, lower scores on tests measuring overall symptom severity and headache intensity were observed among those who took the medications. An important finding was that early initiation of pain reliever use—within the first day of injury—was associated with even faster recovery times, with participants returning to play and achieving symptom resolution up to eight days sooner than those who delayed medication use.

Despite the promising results, Dr. Kyle Arnold from the University of Washington emphasized the need for further validation through controlled trials. The study’s preliminary nature suggests that while these findings may guide potential treatment options, additional research is necessary to provide more definitive recommendations. Nonetheless, the availability and affordability of over-the-counter pain relievers make them a potentially valuable tool in the management of concussion recovery, pending further investigation.