Perplexity AI - Deep Research March 2025
Please put the following ways of decreasing concussion problems in order of best to worst: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Omega-3, Glutathione vitamin D3, progesterone, omega-3 fatty acids, and glutamine (and any others you find)
Ranking of Concussion Treatments: From Most to Least Effective
Based on current scientific evidence, here is a comprehensive ranking of treatments for concussion symptoms and recovery, ordered from most to least effective.
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs
Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have the strongest clinical evidence for treating concussion symptoms:
- Recent research demonstrates that over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics significantly improve concussion symptoms and reduce recovery time in injured athletes 1
- Clinical trials show patients receiving both acetaminophen and ibuprofen (79%) or ibuprofen alone (61%) were much more likely to return to school within one week compared to the acetaminophen-only group (33%) or standard care group (21%) 6
- Routine administration of these medications led to fewer headache days, reduced headache episodes per day, and lower headache intensity compared to standard care 6
- These medications help reduce neuroinflammation that occurs after traumatic brain injury, targeting the initial inflammatory response in the first 24 hours 1
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids show promising results in preclinical studies and some clinical applications:
- Omega-3 supplementation protects the brain against decreased plasticity and provides protection from oxidative stress following concussion 19
- These fatty acids help maintain cellular homeostasis and genomic stability, which is vital during concussion recovery 19
- DHA (a primary omega-3) is a critical structural component making up 10-20% of all brain fat, supporting neuronal membrane integrity 7
- Omega-3s boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps trigger production of new brain cells and improves synaptic transmission 12
- While preclinical evidence is strong, human clinical trials are still underway 15
Vitamin D
Vitamin D shows significant neuroprotective effects for concussion recovery:
- Research demonstrates vitamin D independently reduces inflammation and neuronal injury following traumatic brain injury 5
- It mitigates neuronal injury, decreases neuronal cell death, and improves central nervous system functional outcomes 17
- Vitamin D helps minimize neuronal calcium influx and reduces the release of excitotoxic glutamate, which stimulates cell death after TBI 17
- Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with poor functional outcomes at hospital discharge and increased mortality at 6-months post-injury 14
- It regulates genes important for brain function and helps manage fatigue, a common post-concussion symptom 10
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Although not in your original list, BCAAs show promising clinical evidence:
- Clinical trials have demonstrated that BCAA supplementation after concussion results in faster symptom reduction
- BCAAs help support faster return to physical activity after concussion
- There appears to be a dose-response relationship, with higher doses resulting in better outcomes
Glutathione
Glutathione has theoretical benefits with some supporting evidence:
- Glutathione depletion occurs after traumatic brain injury and contributes to secondary injury 3
- As an antioxidant, it prevents free radical formation and reduces oxidative stress in the brain after injury 3
- Studies have shown that administering glutathione after concussion can reduce brain tissue damage by an average of 70 percent 18
- Supplementing with glutathione helps protect brain cells from further damage and reduces inflammation 8
- Available in oral, intravenous, or liposomal forms, though effectiveness varies by delivery method 8
Magnesium
Magnesium shows beneficial effects for specific concussion symptoms:
- Magnesium L-threonate effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier, directly supporting cognitive function and neural repair 8
- Research indicates it can improve memory, cognitive function, and reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines 8
- Magnesium deficiency is associated with poor functional outcomes after concussion 19
- Animal studies show magnesium supplementation improves memory and sensorimotor functioning following concussion 19
Other Supplements
Several other supplements show varying levels of potential benefit:
- Creatine: Helps restore energy at the cellular level in the brain, improving mental clarity and reducing fatigue 8
- Curcumin: Provides anti-inflammatory benefits and acts as a neuroprotective agent that promotes growth factors 13
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): Increases glutathione production and serves as a broad-acting antioxidant 13
Glutamine (nope)
Current evidence does not support glutamine for concussion treatment:
- Multiple systematic reviews conclude there is no published evidence supporting the efficacy or effectiveness of glutamine in treating patients with mild traumatic brain injury or concussions 4 9
- Despite theoretical potential, clinical studies have not demonstrated benefits for concussion recovery
This ranking is based on current clinical evidence. Treatment strategies should be individualized and supervised by healthcare professionals, as emerging research continues to evolve our understanding of optimal concussion management.
Citations:
- https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/over-counter-analgesics-improve-concussion-outcomes-2025a100063h
- https://www.childrensmercy.org/siteassets/media-documents-for-depts-section/documents-for-health-care-providers/evidence-based-practice/critically-appraised-topics/fish-oil-and-concussions.pdf
- https://driphydration.com/blog/is-glutathione-helpful-in-heavy-trauma-recovery/
- https://database.inahta.org/article/24066
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27185224/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5819847/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4003707/
- https://melbourneheadacheconcussion.com.au/supplements-concussion-recovery/
- https://www.worksafebc.com/resources/health-care-providers/guides/glutamine-for-treating-concussions?lang=en&direct
- https://www.flintrehab.com/vitamins-for-brain-injury-recovery/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9037067/
- https://www.flintrehab.com/fish-oil-therapy-for-brain-injury/
- https://integrative.ca/blog/top-6-nutrients-for-concussion-support
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/neu.2022.0053
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6542872/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585556/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8678475/
- https://drrobertsilverman.com/the-five-best-ways-to-feed-your-concussion/
- https://concussionhome.com/dietary-supplements-during-concussion-recovery/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.685220/full
- https://sealff.org/research/tbi/
- https://sealff.org/resource/glutathione/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5491366/
- https://thejns.org/downloadpdf/view/journals/j-neurosurg/136/6/article-p1650.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34653970/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/neu.2023.0433
- https://thejns.org/view/journals/j-neurosurg/136/6/article-p1650.xml
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32727558/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4702163/
- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/92095-medication
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34227043/
- https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/essential-fatty-acids-the-brain
- https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2018/03000/nutritional_supplements_for_the_treatment_and.9.aspx
- https://www.sportssafect.com/blog/omega-3-fatty-acid-supplementation-for-concussions
- https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/atai-backs-neuronasal-s-through-nose-concussion-treatment
- https://www.utahsportsandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Concussion.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9424629/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4640931/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4798539/
32+ VitaminDWiki pages have BRAIN INJURY OR TBI OR CONCUSSION in the title
The list is automatically updated
Items found: 32