A recent cohort study performed by the NCAA and US Department of Defense looked at NCAA athletes and military cadets who had suffered a concussion.
The study included 1661 NCAA athletes and military cadets, mean age was about 18 years, and 45% were women.
In these groupings, 813 people took over-the-counter pain relievers after their concussion and 848 people did not take any pain relievers.
Analgesics used included medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
Acetaminophen (n = 600), NSAIDs (n = 75), and those taking both (n = 78).
Outcomes: Time to clearance for activity without restrictions
1) 50% recovery
90% recovery
Results:
There was no difference between the type of pain reliever taken and recovery
Patients who took OTC analgesics had lower symptom severity scores
Patients who took OTC analgesics were cleared at 50% recovery two days faster, and at 90% recovery seven days faster than those who took no medication.
Those who initiated OTC analgesics on the first day of injury returned to play and had resolution of symptoms approximately eight days faster than those who started taking medication after five or more days.
Conclusion: Consider early initiation of OTC analgesics in concussed patients at time of discharge.
