AAN: Over-the-Counter Pain Relivers Tied to Fewer Concussion Symptoms

MONDAY, March 17, 2025 (HealthDay News) — People who take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers after a concussion may recover faster than those who do not, according to a study scheduled for presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, to be held from April 5 to 9 in San Diego.

Kyle Arnold, M.D., from the University of Washington in Seattle, and colleagues evaluated the effect of OTC analgesics on clinical outcomes after concussion. Analysis included 813 college athletes and military cadets who had concussions and took over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and 848 who did not take any pain relievers.

The researchers found that compared to those who did not take pain relievers, people who took the pain relievers were 20 percent more likely to have a faster time before they were cleared to return to activities with no restrictions. On average, those who took the medications were cleared at 50 percent recovery two days faster, and at 90 percent recovery seven days faster versus those who took no medication. Participants who took pain relievers were 15 percent more likely to return to having no symptoms more quickly, compared to those who did not take pain relievers. Lastly, those who started using OTC pain relievers on the first day of their injury returned to play and had resolution of symptoms at 50 percent recovery eight days faster than those who started taking pain relievers after five or more days.

“These preliminary results may help inform potential treatment options for people recovering from concussions, but additional studies are needed to provide more definitive recommendations,” Arnold said in a statement.

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