Hi,

Unfortunately I hit my head on a low door way pretty hard two days ago, and have been having all my normal symptoms return as strong as they were when I got my first concussion two years ago (headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, etc).

For the past couple years, I've been using Aleve (Naproxen) to manage PCS headaches, and it's certainly worked wonders. For me, it's much more effective than Tylenol or Advil or any other OTC painkiller I've tried. However, I know that immediately after a concussion you're not supposed to use Aleve or Advil due to the risk of brain bleeding. I've been looking online as much as my headache allows, but I can't seem to find an answer as to when is a safe time would be. Obviously there's isn't one magic date, but I'm wondering if it's a few days, a week, two weeks, or more? Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks!!

Some research shows that the minor brain bleeds heal up within 72 hours. Imaging studies show them starting to be resorbed by 72 hours. Brain bleeds are extremely rare. But, Tylenol does not have this blood thinning characteristic. Try Tylenol for the next week. Any risk should be over by then.

Just remember the warning signs of a bleed, it you start to get an intense headache or loss of coordination or mumbled speech or vision difficulties, have somebody get you to an ER immediately.

The momentary struggles we have do not count. Getting our mords wixed up, or words mixed up, is not a sign of a bleed.

One study says the risk drops substantially at 10 days so you could take the Aleve then.

Research indicates that NSAIDs may be beneficial if given at the time of injury to prevent excessive inflammation. After that window, there is no benefit and NSAIDs can actually hinder healing.

I suggest taking one dose of Aleve or Ibuprofen after traumatic event such as banging your head. You just want to prevent the inflammation from spreading and causing more damage.

Sure, Aleve works as advertised and makes you feel better but just because you feel better doesn't mean you are better. It's best to just rest if your head hurts.