Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a jolt, blow, or bump to the head that can change the way your brain works.

According to the Center for Disease Control, “Each year U.S. emergency departments treat an estimated 173,285 sports and recreation related TBI’s, including concussions, among children and adolescents, from birth to 19 years.”

Michigan has aligned with 39 U.S. states passing a law that regulates sports concussions and the return to athletic activity. The law went into effect June 30, 2013 and requires the following:

• Employees, coaches, volunteers, and other adults involved with youth athletic activities must complete a concussion awareness on-line training program.
• The school is required provide educational materials on the symptoms and consequences of concussions to parents/guardians and retain a signed form acknowledging the receipt of these documents.
• An athlete/student suspected of sustaining a concussion will be immediately removed from further physical activity and cannot return without written clearance from an appropriate health professional.

Concussional Educational Materials for Parents and Students

State of Michigan Resources

For further information about concussions and the new Michigan law, please visit the following trusted websites:

Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH)
Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)
Center for Disease Control (CDC)