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Study Links Pain Relievers to Faster Concussion Recovery

In a groundbreaking study set to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting, researchers have found a potential correlation between the use of over-the-counter pain relievers and faster recovery times following a concussion. Conducted by the NCAA and the US Department of Defense CARE Consortium, the study evaluated the recovery of NCAA athletes and military cadets who sustained concussions.

The preliminary findings indicate that individuals who took pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen reported quicker recoveries compared to those who abstained from these medications. Specifically, the data suggests that pain relievers may enable a quicker return to unrestricted activities post-concussion. While caution is warranted in interpreting these results, the research sheds light on an area where treatment options are presently limited.

Details of the Study

The cohort study engaged a total of 1,661 participants, with 813 individuals using over-the-counter pain relievers post-concussion and 848 opting out. The researchers tracked recovery progress by measuring how long it took for participants to achieve significant milestones—specifically, when they were cleared for return to activities with no restrictions at both 50% and 90% recovery stages.

According to the analysis, those who utilized pain relievers were 20% more likely to regain their activity clearance faster. On average, these patients were cleared for return to activities two days earlier at the 50% recovery benchmark and seven days sooner at the 90% recovery mark than their non-medicated counterparts. Additionally, the pain reliever group displayed a notable trend towards a quicker resolution of symptoms.

Implications of Early Medication Use

The study emphasized that the timing of medication intake played a significant role, revealing that those who began using pain relievers on the day of their injury were substantially more likely to recover faster. Notably, patients who started their treatment on the first day returned to activities and experienced a resolution of symptoms approximately eight days earlier than those who delayed medication use for a week or more.

Moreover, the severity of symptoms exhibited by the pain-relieving group was statistically lower overall. For instance, at the 50% recovery stage, these participants reported symptoms resolving one day sooner. Likewise, at the latter stage of recovery, users of pain medication noticed a three-day delay in symptom recurrence compared to individuals who refrained.

Need for Controlled Trials

Dr. Kyle Arnold, lead author and neurologist at the University of Washington, indicated that while these preliminary results are promising, they require confirmation through controlled studies for a more definitive understanding. He noted the significance of such findings, especially in light of the limited treatment options currently available for concussion recovery.

Conclusion

The implications of this research could prove beneficial for those suffering from concussions, providing insight into accessible and cost-effective treatment alternatives. The study was funded by the NCAA, the US Department of Defense, and the University of Washington Institute of Translational Health Sciences, shedding light on a pressing health issue that requires further exploration and validation. As we await the outcomes of controlled trials, organizations like the American Academy of Neurology offer additional resources for individuals interested in further understanding concussions and brain health.