Case series of psilocybin self-medication for spinal cord injury

In three people with incomplete spinal cord injuries who self-medicated with psilocybin, improvements in motor function, muscle activation, and strength were reported. One person with a C4–C5 injury noted better gait automaticity; another with a T7 injury regained activation of a previously non-responsive hamstring muscle; a third with a T12 injury experienced rapid strength gains and enhanced proprioceptive awareness. All three reported psychological benefits such as increased wellbeing, motivation for recovery, and improved adjustment. Benefits appeared greatest in partially innervated muscles and diminished after stopping psilocybin. Temporary spasticity was the only adverse effect. The authors suggest psilocybin may enhance recovery by amplifying existing neural pathways and call for controlled clinical trials.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Current spinal cord injury treatments primarily manage symptoms rather than promote neurological recovery. Psilocybin enhances neuroplasticity through 5-HT2A agonism and brain-derived neurotrophic factor upregulation, suggesting therapeutic potential for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with three individuals who had incomplete spinal cord injuries (C4–C5, T7, T12; American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grades B–D) and self-medicated with psilocybin. Case 1 reported improved motor function and gait automaticity. Case 2 reported activation of a previously non-responsive hamstring muscle. Case 3 reported rapid strength gains with enhanced proprioceptive awareness. All participants reported psychological benefits including increased wellbeing, enhanced motivation for recovery and improved adjustment to their post-injury reality, suggesting that psilocybin may serve dual therapeutic purposes. Benefits seemed greatest in partially innervated muscles. Subjects reported both acute and sustained maintenance effects, with gradual diminishment of benefits following cessation. Adverse effects included temporary spasticity. These observations suggest that psilocybin may enhance motor recovery and sensory integration in incomplete spinal cord injury through amplification of existing neural pathways and warrant controlled clinical trials.