Researchers at Monash University have launched Australia's first clinical trial investigating whether psilocybin — the psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms — can help people suffering from long-term symptoms following a concussion.

The condition, known as persistent post-concussive symptoms, can develop after a mild traumatic brain injury and may last for months or even years. For many patients, these lingering effects include chronic headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, irritability, and cognitive difficulties.

Currently, there are very few effective treatments available for this condition, driving interest in novel therapeutic approaches. Scientists believe psilocybin may target not only the symptoms but also the underlying biological mechanisms involved in brain injury recovery.

According to preliminary research published in Cell Reports Medicine, a single high dose of psilocybin reduced the severity of brain injury-related symptoms in experimental models.

These findings provided the basis for advancing to human clinical trials.

The new study, which will be conducted over three years in Melbourne, will enroll patients whose symptoms have persisted for at least six months following a concussion. It is the first randomized, double-blind, active placebo-controlled trial in Australia to investigate psilocybin-assisted therapy for persistent post-concussive symptoms.

Researchers will assess not only clinical outcomes but also changes in the brain using neuroimaging techniques and blood-based biomarkers. In particular, they are exploring the hypothesis that psilocybin may reduce neuroinflammation and enhance neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form and reorganize neural connections.

Special attention will also be given to the therapeutic process itself. Participants will receive preparation sessions, professional support during treatment sessions, and structured psychological integration afterward under the supervision of trained specialists.

According to the research team, if the benefits persist for even several months after treatment, the approach could represent a major breakthrough for patients with post-concussion syndrome, a condition for which effective treatment options are currently extremely limited.