A global snapshot of the silent brain injury epidemic: A descriptive observational study of concussion coverage on YouTube.

Abstract

Background: Concussion is a prevalent form of traumatic brain injury worldwide with significant health consequences and far-reaching implications. Concussion protocols have been revised in recent years to protect athletes in increasing concussion reduction and timely treatment. Campaigns, news reports and mass media have also depicted coverage of concussions over the past decade especially in light of more athletes coming forward with long-term repercussions following repeated concussions.

Methods: Previously, published studies have examined content pertaining to concussions across different social media platforms. Notably, the last comprehensive review of prevalent content across YouTube on concussions was ten years ago in 2014. Given updates in concussion protocols and clinical practice guidelines, increased news coverage and the movie release of Concussion in 2015, this study sought to examine and describe the sources, format and content covered among the top 100 widely viewed videos on YouTube a decade later.

Results: Majority of the videos were posted by nongovernmental/organizational sources. Several testimonials by athletes on aftereffects of concussions were covered. Falls comprised the leading risk factor for concussions. Football, soccer, basketball and sailing represented the highest risk sports for concussions among the widely viewed videos. Many post-concussive symptoms were accounted for in the videos. Rest and activity limitations were featured as the leading treatments for concussions. Clinical, organizational, and health equity implications are presented.

Conclusion: Recommendations to inform directions for patient and family education and clinical care on concussions are proposed.