{"id":630564,"date":"2024-11-21T13:18:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T18:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630564"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:59:15","slug":"ibuprofen-after-head-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibuprofen-after-head-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"Why you shouldn’t take ibuprofen after a head injury?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <\/span>estimated<\/span><\/a> that 190 people died per day from traumatic brain injury (TBI) related deaths in 2021. While most head injuries aren\u2019t that critical, it\u2019s always important to take a head injury seriously. There are many considerations after sustaining a head injury, one being that you should think twice before reaching for the popular over-the-counter drug ibuprofen to treat any pain related to head injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why you shouldn’t take ibuprofen after a head injury?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cIbuprofen should not be used for a head injury because it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of bleeding,\u201d explained Danielle Kelvas, an MD and Primary Care Physician at <\/span>The HCG Institute<\/span><\/a>. \u201cAfter a head injury, there is a concern that if there has been any bleeding in the brain, NSAIDs like ibuprofen could potentially exacerbate it.<\/span><\/p>\n

In general, it is not safe to take ibuprofen after hitting your head. Ibuprofen is not a good option after suffering a traumatic brain injury, concussion, or other type of head injury. Along with a risk of increased bleeding, taking ibuprofen after a head injury can lead to masking symptoms and increase the risk of brain swelling. Below, learn more about each of these risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a note, ibuprofen is the generic name for the over-the-counter pain reliever, but it can also be sold under the brand name <\/span>Motrin<\/span><\/a> or Advil. It\u2019s also available in higher doses by prescription. Other NSAIDs like aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) will also come with these risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Potential for increased bleeding<\/span><\/h3>\n

NSAIDs<\/span><\/a>, including ibuprofen, alter blood platelet function. Platelets play a role in blood clotting. When the body\u2019s ability to clot blood is affected due to NSAIDs, it can increase the risk of bleeding. Due to this factor, providers recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before treating head injury-related pain with NSAIDs.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>study in 2021<\/span><\/a> looked at preinjury use of NSAIDs in adolescent athletes. Researchers found in their analysis there were no indications that \u201cpreinjury NSAID use affects the severity of initial injury presentation or concussion recovery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Risk of masking symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is also a concern that NSAIDs can mask symptoms of a head injury when getting treatment. Athletes who are suspected of having a concussion may be given Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing or an ImPACT test to determine the severity of their concussion. If an athlete is benefiting from the analgesic properties, or pain-relieving properties, of NSAIDs, it is possible the recorded information, like reaction time, won\u2019t be as accurate as the physical symptoms may be alleviated.<\/span><\/p>\n

The risk of worsening brain swelling<\/span><\/h3>\n

If the use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen for a head injury causes bleeding, this, in turn, can increase the risk of brain swelling. When the blood vessels of the brain begin bleeding, the surrounding area of the brain can become irritated. This area where the blood is gathered is called a hematoma. This can result in cerebral edema, also known as brain swelling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Safer alternatives to ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cFor pain relief, consulting with a healthcare professional for tailored advice is essential,\u201d said Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, an MD, writer, and consultant at <\/span>Alpas Wellness<\/span><\/a>. After seeking medical advice for your head injuries, there are safer alternatives you can use at home for treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter pain relief options<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead for managing pain post-head injury, as it does not have the same blood-thinning effects.,\u201d said Dr. Kelvas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-medicinal pain management techniques<\/b><\/p>\n

There are also home remedies to try.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n