Psilocybin Use in an Intercollegiate Athlete with Persisting Symptoms After Concussion: A Case Report
David W. Lawrence, Alex P. Di Battista, Michael G. Hutchison
Psychoactives July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives4030022 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 22-year-old male athlete with persisting symptoms after a concussion took three 250 mg doses of dried Psilocybe cubensis (containing 2.5 mg of psilocybin) on days 42, 45, and 46 post-injury. He reported immediate relief from headache, noise sensitivity, and cognitive difficulties. His symptom severity score dropped from 25 to 11, and his emotional symptoms resolved completely, allowing a return to full activity with no adverse effects. This case suggests classic psychedelics might help treat persisting post-concussion symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 22-year-old male intercollegiate athlete with persisting symptoms after concussion |
| Dose | 250 mg of dried fruiting body of Psilocybe cubensis (2.5 mg of psilocybin) |
| Duration | Three doses on days 42, 45, and 46 post-injury; follow-up to return to full activity |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Concussion Medicine Physical therapy |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Three doses of psilocybin were associated with immediate symptom relief and functional recovery in an athlete with persisting post-concussion symptoms. |
Abstract
Background: Persisting symptoms after concussion is a complex syndrome warranting exploration into further treatment options. Emerging research highlights the potential of classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, in managing neuropsychiatric conditions and promoting neuroprotection. Case Report: A case is presented of a 22-year-old male intercollegiate athlete who sustained a concussion and developed persisting symptoms despite multidisciplinary standard care. The symptom burden remained relatively stable for the first month post-concussion. He independently administered three 250 milligram (mg) doses of the dried fruiting body of Psilocybe cubensis (2.5 mg of psilocybin) on days 42, 45, and 46 post-injury. He reported immediate symptom relief, including improvements in headache, noise sensitivity, and cognitive function. His symptom severity score decreased from 25 to 11 and his affective symptom burden resolved completely. Functional improvements allowed him to return to full activity. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential role of classic psychedelics as adjuvant agents in treating persisting symptoms after concussion. Clinicians should be aware that athletes may explore psychedelics as alternative treatments. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin in concussion recovery.