University of Victoria Study Finds Brain Injury Survivors Using Psychedelics to Manage Chronic Symptoms

A University of Victoria study finds 90% of brain injury survivors using psychedelics report symptom relief, highlighting a need for clinical trials.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 8:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert

Emerging Trends in Alternative Brain Injury Management

Research from the University of Victoria has identified a growing segment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors who are turning to psychedelics to address persistent symptoms. While traditional treatments often fall short for the 60 million people affected by TBIs annually, this new study indicates that patients are proactively seeking alternative supports. Mauricio Garcia Barrera, a clinical psychology professor and co author of the study, notes that there is no universal treatment for TBI survivors, leading many to experiment with substances outside of standard medical protocols. The findings suggest a shift in patient behavior as awareness of the global impact of brain injuries continues to expand.

Self Reported Efficacy and Symptom Relief

The study analyzed data from the global psychedelic survey, which included responses from more than 6,100 individuals. Among those surveyed, 208 participants specifically reported using psychedelics to manage symptoms related to brain injuries, such as chronic headaches, mood instability, and cognitive impairment. Lead researcher Baeleigh VanderZwaag expressed surprise at the volume of individuals already experimenting with these substances. Most notably, 90 percent of those using psychedelics for TBI related issues reported some level of symptom improvement, marking a significant data point in a field that has historically relied on animal models rather than human testimony.

Dosing Patterns and Common Substances Utilized

Participants in the survey detailed a variety of approaches to their self medication, often blending different dosing strategies. The researchers found that psilocybin was the most frequently cited substance, with users typically administering it every two to six months. These regimens often included a combination of microdoses and larger doses intended to target specific somatic and cognitive issues. In addition to psilocybin, some respondents reported using LSD and ketamine to manage their conditions. This self directed experimentation highlights a gap between patient needs and available clinical treatments for long term recovery.