Medical Misinformation: Why What You Read Matters
By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS; Medically edited by Dr. Deena Kuruvilla, MD
In an age where information is available at our fingertips, it’s never been easier—or more dangerous—to be misinformed about your health. Online searches, social media posts, and even well-meaning conversations can spread inaccurate or misleading claims that impact how we think about symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.
When it comes to brain health, clarity matters. At the Brain Health Institute, we believe that informed patients make empowered decisions. As your trusted neurology team, we’re committed to helping you recognize reliable information, avoid common pitfalls, and stay focused on what truly supports your well-being.
Medical misinformation isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t always come from fringe websites or anonymous sources. Sometimes, it’s a viral social media post or an outdated article shared with good intentions. But inaccurate information—especially when it involves complex neurological conditions—can have serious consequences, including:
- Delays in diagnosis or treatment
- Increased anxiety or confusion
- Use of unproven or unsafe therapies
- Reduced trust in medical professionals
Neurological care often involves lifelong conditions, nuanced symptoms, and evolving science. When misinformation enters the conversation, it can compromise care, safety, and peace of mind.
The human brain is complex, and neurological symptoms can be subtle, overlapping, or hard to explain. This makes it easier for myths to take hold—especially when people are searching for answers.
Conditions such as memory loss, seizures, unexplained headaches, or changes in mood or behavior often prompt people to search online before seeing a doctor. While education is valuable, not all sources are created equal—and distinguishing fact from fiction can be difficult without medical guidance.
Here are a few signs that the information you’re reading may not be reliable:
- Overly simplistic explanations for complex medical issues
- “Miracle” treatments or quick fixes with no scientific support
- Claims that dismiss medical consensus, especially without evidence
- Anecdotal success stories used in place of clinical research
- Lack of citations or references to peer-reviewed studies
If something sounds too good to be true—or too alarming to be real—it’s worth taking a closer look.
At the Brain Health Institute, we encourage patients to be curious, proactive, and engaged in their health. Here are a few ways to stay informed without falling into misinformation traps:
- Trust your care team. Bring any questions or concerns directly to your provider—we’re here to clarify, not judge.
- Check the source. Look for medical information that comes from reputable institutions, such as academic hospitals, professional associations, or government health agencies.
- Understand the difference between correlation and causation. Not every “link” means cause and effect.
- Be cautious with trends. Just because something is popular or widely shared doesn’t make it accurate—or safe.
Good medicine starts with good communication. If you’ve seen something online or heard a health claim that concerns you, we invite you to bring it to your next appointment. Our team is committed to helping you navigate information with confidence, and we welcome those conversations.
As a neurology practice, we understand how important it is to feel informed and in control of your health—especially when it comes to the brain. You deserve information that’s not only accessible, but accurate, balanced, and backed by evidence.
In today’s information-driven world, patients face more noise than ever before. But by staying grounded in facts and leaning on trusted medical professionals, you can cut through the confusion and make choices that truly support your health.
At the Brain Health Institute, we’re more than just your neurology specialists—we’re your partners in knowledge, care, and long-term wellness!