What pain relief can I take after a concussion?
Reviewed November 2026 by Online Concussion Clinic, a Perth-based telehealth concussion physiotherapy service. How this site is run
Short answer
Paracetamol is usually the first choice for headache after a concussion. The Australian guidelines advise avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen at first, along with sleeping tablets, sedating pain medication and alcohol. Check with a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take other medicines.
What to take, and what to avoid
- Paracetamol is usually suitable for headache, at the dose on the packet.
- Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen) unless a doctor says they're OK, because they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Avoid sleeping tablets and strong or sedating pain medication, which can hide warning signs.
- No alcohol or recreational drugs while you're recovering.
- Ice packs can help with sore spots on the head or face.
If you take blood thinners or other regular medication, tell the doctor about the head injury — you may need to be checked the same day.
When headache needs a doctor
- A severe or worsening headache is a warning sign — call 000 or go to an emergency department.
- Headache that keeps going beyond about 10 days often comes from the neck or from how much you're doing. A GP or concussion physiotherapist can help, without relying on painkillers.
- Taking pain relief most days for weeks can cause rebound headaches, so talk to your GP.
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is:
- Loss of consciousness, or getting drowsier or harder to wake
- A seizure or convulsion
- Severe or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Weakness, tingling or burning in the arms or legs
- Increasing confusion, agitation, restlessness or unusual behaviour
- A visible deformity of the skull
For children, the emergency department at Perth Children's Hospital (Nedlands) is open 24 hours. If you're unsure, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours) for nurse advice.
Find concussion care in Perth
Browse verified concussion providers across Perth — physiotherapists, GPs and neuropsychologists — and use the map to find one close to home. You don't need a referral to see a physiotherapist privately.
Where this information comes from
- Patricios JS, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport – Amsterdam, October 2022. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2023;57:695–711. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2023-106898
- Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6), from the same conference.
- Australian Institute of Sport. Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement 2024, and the Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport. ausport.gov.au/concussion
- healthdirect Australia. Head injuries. healthdirect.gov.au/head-injuries
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. Your own health professional's advice comes first, and your sport or school may have its own concussion rules.