Psilocybin may help the brain recover from concussion, new study shows

The naturally occurring psychedelic psilocybin shows therapeutic effect for repeated mild head injury — in adult female rats. (Unsplash) Psilocybin may help the brain recover from concussion, new study shows Published: September 22, 2026 12:34pm EDT https://theconversation.com/psilocybin-may-help-the-brain-recover-from-concussion-new-study-shows-292188 https://theconversation.com/psilocybin-may-help-the-brain-recover-from-concussion-new-study-shows-292188 Link copied Share article Share article

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A concussion is often described as a “mild” traumatic brain injury . Yet repeated blows to the head rarely feel mild and the impacts — including changes in movement, memory, mood and brain function — may last for months or years.

Athletes, military personnel, people involved in vehicle collisions, older adults who experience falls and people experiencing intimate partner violence are all especially susceptible to repeated head injuries. And these are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Parkinson’s disease .