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. 2026 Feb 2:10.1097/JSM.0000000000001420.
doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000001420. Online ahead of print.

NSAID Use Is Not Associated With Persisting Symptoms in Adolescent Concussion

Katelyn D Hurlburt  1   2 , Kelsie L Richardson  1   2 , Mathew J Wingerson  1   2 , Joshua R Kniss  1   2 , Katherine L Smulligan  3 , Julie C Wilson  1   2   4 , David R Howell  1   2
Affiliations

NSAID Use Is Not Associated With Persisting Symptoms in Adolescent Concussion

Katelyn D Hurlburt et al. Clin J Sport Med. .

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between injury factors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) use, and concussion outcomes.

Design: Prospective cohort.

Participants: Adolescents (N = 118) ≤14 days of concussion seen at a sports medicine center between November 2020 and May 2025.

Independent variable: Participants who reported ibuprofen and/or naproxen use were assigned to the "NSAID use" group, all others were assigned to the "No NSAID use" group.

Main outcome measures: Symptom severity, medical history, and medication use information were collected. The development of persisting symptoms after concussion (symptoms > 28 days, [PSaC]) was monitored via time to symptom resolution.

Results: We enrolled 118 participants with concussion (15.4 ± 1.7 years, 54% female, 8.4 ± 3.1 days postinjury): 29 (25%) reported taking NSAIDs (n = 24 ibuprofen, n = 3 naproxen, n = 2 ibuprofen/naproxen) before their evaluation. Those who reported NSAID use were evaluated sooner (7.4 ± 2.8 vs 8.7 ± 3.2 days postinjury; P = 0.05), weighed less (57.2 ± 11.0 vs 63.5 ± 17.0 kg; P = 0.06), and had more severe symptoms (59.9 ± 32.6 vs 39.3 ± 22.2; P < 0.001). More participants who reported NSAID use sustained a sport-related concussion (93% vs 73%; P = 0.02), and fewer participants who reported NSAID use started physical activity before evaluation (17% vs 39%; P = 0.03). Severe symptoms were associated with NSAID use (OR = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.05). Non-sport-related injuries (OR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.91) and higher symptom severity (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.04) were associated with greater odds of PSaC, but NSAID use was not (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.19-1.97).

Conclusions: In adolescents, NSAID use was associated with more severe symptoms but not PSaC. To optimize clinical guidance, future research should further evaluate the role of NSAIDs in concussion recovery.

Keywords: management; medications; mild traumatic brain injury; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory; pediatric.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Univariable comparisons between NSAID and No NSAID groups for initial (A) concussion symptom ratings, (B) headache-specific ratings, and (C) pain intensity ratings.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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