When Melbourne resident Claire Thompson first heard about psilocybin being tested for concussion symptoms, she thought it sounded like science fiction. But for the 34-year-old teacher, who’s battled debilitating headaches and brain fog since a cycling accident three years ago, the Monash University trial launching in 2026 may be her best hope yet. Across Australia, up to half of all people who suffer a concussion go on to experience persistent symptoms — and for years, effective treatments have been scarce. Now, for the first time, researchers are testing whether a single dose of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, could reset the brain’s healing process.
The clinical trial, led by Professor Terence O'Brien at Monash University, marks a groundbreaking step in treating what’s known as persistent post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms like dizziness, irritability, sleep disturbances, and cognitive decline can last months or even years, disrupting lives and limiting recovery. With no widely effective therapies available, the team is turning to emerging science that suggests psychedelics may do more than just alter consciousness — they may actually repair it. Building on a preclinical study published in Cell Reports Medicine, the three-year trial will examine how psilocybin affects neuroinflammation and neural plasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself after injury.
Starting in 2026, the randomized, double-blind, active placebo-controlled study will enroll patients in Melbourne who’ve had symptoms for at least six months, regardless of how the concussion occurred. Participants will receive either a macrodose of psilocybin or an active placebo, alongside structured psychological support. This includes preparation sessions, guided care during the psychedelic experience, and integration therapy afterward — a protocol designed to ensure safety and maximize therapeutic benefit. Crucially, the team will also analyze blood samples and neuroimaging data to track biological changes in real time, led by Professor Sandy Shultz of the Monash Trauma Group. "We will also be looking at blood and neuroimaging biomarkers in the brain so we can understand exactly what the drug is doing in the body and how it is helping reduce symptoms," Shultz said.
The research is a collaboration between Monash’s Department of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, with key contributions from Dr. Josh Allen, Dr. Paul Liknaitzky, Dr. Georgia Symons, and colleagues from Deakin and Queensland Universities. If results mirror preclinical findings, the benefits could last at least six months — a potential game changer for millions. As Liknaitzky puts it, they’re not just treating symptoms; they’re targeting both the neurological and psychological roots of dysfunction. For patients like Claire, that distinction could mean the difference between managing illness and reclaiming a life.