Clickbait or Truth? Analyzing the Relationship Between Misinformation and Engagement on TikTok Regarding Epilepsy Treatment
Abstract number :
1.324
Submission category :
4. Clinical Epilepsy / 4C. Clinical Treatments
Year :
2025
Submission ID :
372
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2025 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Authors :
Presenting Author: Evelina Dedic, DO – Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Lauren Chorny, DO – Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Douglas Nordli, MD – University of Chicago
Fernando Galan, MD – Nemours Children’s Health
Rationale: This study sought to expand upon previously documented misinformation surrounding epilepsy on the social media platform TikTok to include how widespread misinformation is compared to evidence-based epilepsy treatments (Jiang et al. 2023). We hypothesized videos containing misinformation would receive a higher number of views compared to evidence-based content. Additionally, we posited misinformation was more likely disseminated by individuals lacking formal medical credentials.
Methods: Videos from TikTok were searched using the keywords “epilepsy treatment” and “seizure treatment.” 200 videos were categorized and graded on a scale of 1 through 6, where 1 indicated "True," 2 indicated "Mostly True," 3 indicated "Half True," 4 indicated "Mostly False," 5 indicated "Not Accurate," and 6 indicated "Not accurate and potentially harmful." Two independent reviewers assessed each video for misinformation. For claims extending beyond common neurologic knowledge, verification was conducted using Open Evidence to confirm peer-reviewed support. Videos referencing psychogenic non-epileptic spells were included when described interchangeably with epileptic seizures. Presenter credentials were classified as neurology physicians, non-neurology physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, unspecified/other medical providers, chiropractors, functional medicine practitioners, mental health specialists, nutritionists, or unspecified influencers. The number of views and active followers (subscribers) were recorded for each video. Subsequent analysis quantified the relationship between viewership and content accuracy, with additional evaluation based on credentials.
Results: Videos determined to be mostly false, not accurate, or not accurate and potentially harmful accounted for 73% (355,723/490,214) of views. Of these false videos, 58.7% (91/155) were credentialed as alternative medicine/homeopathic or unspecified influencers. Of the 27 videos made by physicians, 26 were categorized as true and mostly true, with only 1 being categorized as not accurate.
Conclusions: This study quantifies the significance of widespread misinformation regarding epilepsy treatment on TikTok, noting a clear positive correlation between false medical advice garnering a higher number of views. These findings highlight a concerning trend in which false or misleading medical information is more likely to gain widespread attention than evidence-based content, thereby posing a significant barrier to effective patient education and management. Furthermore, the study reflects a broader issue within contemporary healthcare: a growing mistrust in the medical community. Although videos created by physicians were generally more accurate, they attracted fewer views, suggesting a disconnect between content accuracy and public engagement. The significance of our findings emphasizes the urgent need for medical professionals to recognize and address the pervasive spread of misinformation in digital spaces, and to proactively engage in online platforms to support informed, evidence-based care.
Funding: None
Clinical Epilepsy