Analysis of youtube as a source of information for peripheral neuropathy |
| |
| Authors: | Harsh V. Gupta MD Ricky W. Lee MD Sunil K. Raina MD Brian L. Behrle Archana Hinduja MD Manoj K. Mittal MD |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA;2. Department of Community medicine, Dr. RP Government Medical College, Kangra, HP, India;3. Department of Neurology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas city, Kansas, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | Introduction: YouTube is an important resource for patients. No study has evaluated the information on peripheral neuropathy disseminated by YouTube videos. In this study, our aim was to perform a systematic review of information on YouTube regarding peripheral neuropathy. Methods: The Web site ( www.youtube.com ) was searched between September 19 and 21, 2014, for the terms “neuropathy,” “peripheral neuropathy,” “diabetic neuropathy,” “neuropathy causes,” and “neuropathy treatment.” Results: Two hundred videos met the inclusion criteria. Healthcare professionals accounted for almost half of the treatment videos (41 of 92; 44.6%), and most came from chiropractors (18 of 41; 43.9%). Alternative medicine was cited most frequently among the treatment discussions (54 of 145, 37.2%), followed by devices (38 of 145, 26.2%), and pharmacological treatments (23 of 145, 15.9%). Conclusions: Approximately half of the treatment options discussed in the videos were not evidence‐based. Caution should be exercised when YouTube videos are used as a patient resource. Muscle Nerve 53 : 27–31, 2016 |
| |
| Keywords: | complications etiology neuropathy symptoms treatment YouTube |
|
|
