Rethinking Concussion Treatment:

exercising the brain with psychedelics

Cailey Karshmer
There is a new and improved method for treating chronic pain
● 81.5% of people have chronic pain following head injury
● Psychedelics research indicates that there could be a solution
● More people will be able to find relief from their chronic pain
I have had 7 concussions and recovery gets increasingly hard after
every one due to the increase in number of symptoms.
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that can have lifelong
effects
● Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that frequently occur after a
blow to the head. They can cause chemical and metabolic changes in the
brain.
● I am more prone to receiving concussions now and with each concussion, my
post-traumatic headaches are worse and last longer I have been searching
for a more effective way to manage my pain and other symptoms.
● I have had pretty constant headaches for over a year now. I would like to find
a way to help manage the symptoms I have
There are so few effective long term treatments for concussions
Psychedelics can provide relief from chronic pain and help the
brain repair itself from damage caused by the concussion
The new possible treatment is exciting and gives me, and others
like me, some hope for a pain-free life in the future
● There have been many reports of former NFL, NHL, and other athletes using
psychedelics to manage their chronic pain and headaches from injuries
sustained while playing. They argue that is has been helpful in increasing
their quality of life post injury and during recovery
● Psychedelics have been useful in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma
related disorders which can also be associated with brain injuries
Things I hoped to accomplish
● Talk slower
● Talk loudly enough that people can hear me
● Speak clearly
● Tell things in order so they make sense