Introduction
This essay explores the pervasive issue of misinformation surrounding concussion recovery and its impact on athletes, coaches, and the broader public in the context of sports. Misinformation, often perpetuated through media narratives and societal assumptions, shapes perceptions of head injuries in ways that can lead to inadequate responses, delayed recovery, and long-term health risks. By examining the discrepancy between common misconceptions and evidence-based medical guidelines, this analysis seeks to highlight the consequences of such misinformation. Drawing on scholarly sources and assigned readings, including critical perspectives on media framing and scientific clarifications of concussion myths, this paper argues that misinformation significantly undermines effective injury management and calls for improved education and media literacy to address this crisis. The discussion will focus on the nature of concussion myths, their influence on different stakeholders, and potential strategies to counteract these effects.
The Nature and Sources of Concussion Misinformation
Misinformation about concussions often stems from oversimplified narratives and outdated beliefs that circulate in both popular media and public discourse. A key misconception, as outlined by Stamm (2024), is the belief that concussions only occur with high-force impacts or that loss of consciousness is a requisite for diagnosis. Stamm clarifies that concussions can result from relatively low-force impacts, particularly in youth athletes whose developing brains are more vulnerable, and that only about 10% of cases involve loss of consciousness (Stamm, 2024). Such myths are perpetuated by media portrayals that dramatize concussions as visible, dramatic events rather than the often subtle, complex injuries they are. This misunderstanding contributes to a widespread underestimation of concussion severity among the public and sports communities.
Moreover, media framing plays a critical role in sustaining these misconceptions. Brayton et al. (2019) argue that popular press often depoliticizes concussion issues by framing athletes as complicit in their injuries through narratives of self-responsibility, rather than addressing systemic factors like league policies or labor conditions. This focus on individual choice—exemplified by stories of athletes who “knew the risks”—diverts attention from institutional accountability and fosters a culture where head injuries are seen as personal failings (Brayton et al., 2019). Consequently, the public may perceive concussions as inevitable or acceptable risks of sport, rather than preventable issues requiring structural change.
Impact on Athletes’ Responses to Head Injuries
Athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussion misinformation, as it influences their willingness to report symptoms and adhere to recovery protocols. The belief that one must “tough it out” or return to play quickly—often reinforced by media narratives glorifying resilience—can pressure athletes to downplay their injuries. Stamm (2024) notes that the misconception surrounding the necessity of brain scans or blood tests for diagnosis leads to confusion; since most scans show no abnormalities, athletes may assume they are uninjured and return to play prematurely, risking second-impact syndrome or prolonged recovery. This is particularly concerning for younger athletes, who, as Stamm highlights, face greater risks due to their developing brains (Stamm, 2024).
Furthermore, the framing of concussions as an individual responsibility, as discussed by Brayton et al. (2019), exacerbates this issue. Athletes internalize the idea that admitting to injury reflects weakness or jeopardizes their career, especially in professional sports where job security is precarious. Indeed, the narrative of “millionaires versus billionaires” in media discourse—where athletes are portrayed as privileged and thus blameworthy for their choices—discourages sympathy or systemic solutions, placing the burden squarely on the individual (Brayton et al., 2019). This dynamic can result in athletes hiding symptoms, a dangerous practice that delays critical medical intervention and heightens long-term health risks.
Influence on Coaches’ Decision-Making
Coaches, often seen as gatekeepers of player safety, are also influenced by misinformation, which affects their decisions regarding athlete participation post-injury. Misconceptions about concussion severity and recovery timelines can lead coaches to prioritize competitive outcomes over player health. For instance, the erroneous idea that a lack of obvious symptoms equates to recovery may prompt coaches to push for an early return to play, disregarding evidence-based guidelines that recommend extended rest and gradual reintroduction to activity (Stamm, 2024). This approach not only endangers athletes but also perpetuates a culture of negligence within sports environments.
Additionally, media-driven narratives that downplay institutional responsibility can shape coaches’ attitudes. Brayton et al. (2019) highlight how press coverage often shifts focus away from league accountability, instead emphasizing player consent and choice. Coaches, operating within this cultural context, may feel less obligated to challenge inadequate concussion protocols or advocate for stricter safety measures, assuming that the onus lies with athletes. Therefore, misinformation not only clouds coaches’ understanding of medical facts but also embeds systemic complacency, undermining their role as protectors of athlete well-being.
Public Perception and Societal Implications
The general public’s response to concussions is similarly shaped by misinformation, with significant implications for policy and cultural attitudes toward sports safety. Pondiscio (2025) argues that limited scientific literacy and reliance on oversimplified media explanations make the public susceptible to distorted health narratives. For example, the misconception that concussions are rare or easily diagnosable fosters a lack of urgency among parents, spectators, and policymakers, who may fail to support adequate funding for concussion research or stricter youth sports regulations (Pondiscio, 2025). This complacency can perpetuate environments where head injuries are underreported and inadequately managed.
Moreover, media framing further distorts public understanding. As Genova et al. (2018) note, narratives that portray concussion risks as individual choices rather than systemic issues obscure the broader workplace hazards in sports, leading the public to undervalue the need for reform. Typically, stories of high-profile athletes retiring due to concussion fears are framed as personal decisions rather than indictments of unsafe working conditions, thus limiting public pressure on sports organizations to enact change (Genova et al., 2018). This skewed perception hinders the development of a collective demand for better safety standards, ultimately allowing misinformation to sustain risky practices in sports culture.
Counteracting Misinformation Through Education and Media Literacy
Addressing the pervasive effects of concussion misinformation requires targeted interventions, particularly in education and media literacy. Caulfield (2023) advocates for integrating media literacy into public education to equip individuals, especially youth, with critical thinking skills to evaluate online health information. By teaching young athletes and their families to question sensationalized concussion narratives and seek evidence-based sources, such initiatives can foster a more informed approach to injury management (Caulfield, 2023). For instance, programs modeled on successful international examples, as Caulfield suggests, could be adapted to sports contexts to combat myths directly.
Furthermore, improving media representation is crucial. Scholars like Brayton et al. (2019) call for narratives that highlight systemic factors over individual responsibility, urging journalists to frame concussions as labor issues rather than personal choices. This shift could encourage public and institutional accountability, prompting reforms in concussion protocols and workplace safety in sports. Complementing this, healthcare providers and sports organizations must disseminate accessible, accurate information to counteract myths, as Stamm (2024) emphasizes, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and the public base their decisions on science rather than speculation. Together, these strategies offer a pathway to mitigate the harmful influence of misinformation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, misinformation about concussion recovery profoundly influences how athletes, coaches, and the public respond to head injuries in sports, often leading to risky behaviors and inadequate safety measures. Common myths, such as the belief that concussions require high-force impacts or visible symptoms, combined with media narratives that emphasize individual responsibility over systemic issues, create a culture of underestimation and neglect. Athletes face pressure to conceal injuries, coaches may prioritize competition over health, and public apathy hinders policy change. However, through enhanced education, media literacy, and reformed media framing, it is possible to align perceptions with evidence-based guidelines, ultimately improving concussion management. The implications of this issue extend beyond sports, reflecting broader societal challenges in combating health misinformation. Addressing this gap remains critical to safeguarding athlete well-being and fostering a culture of informed decision-making in sports environments.
References
- Brayton, S., Helstein, M. T., Rickards, N. (2019) Exploring the Missing Link Between the Concussion “Crisis” and Labor Politics in Professional Sports. Communication & Sport, 7(1), 3-31.
- Caulfield, T. (2023) Big Idea: Teach Kids About Misinformation. Maclean’s, 26 July.
- Genova, G., Gilbert, E., Churchill, C., Acquaire, A. (2018) Can a Concussion History Affect the Susceptibility to the Misinformation Effect? Impulse, 2018-04, ISSN 1934-3361.
- Pondiscio, R. (2025) Tylenol, Autism and the Perils of Basic Level Literacy. The 74, 26 September.
- Stamm, J. M. (2024) The Brain on Youth Sports: The Science, the Myths, and the Future. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
