1. Organization of Lifetime Nurse Care Planners
MICHIGAN’S SPORTS CONCUSSION LAW mParks 2017 Conference and Trade Show January 31 – February 3, 2017
Thomas J. Constand
President & CEO

2. Presentation Objectives
Concussion Facts
Historical Perspective of Michigan’s Law
Possible Future Changes

3. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010 study)
Concussion Facts
From 2001 to 2009:
2.7 million athletes under age 19 treated in ER
6.5% (173,285) were for concussions/TBIs
In 2001 – 153,375 ER visits
In 2009 – 248,410 ER visits
62% INCREASE
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010 study)

4. Michigan Law Creation PUBLIC ACTS 342 & 343 of 2012 Public Act 342
Michigan Law regarding the Department of Community Health’s development, adoption and approval of educational and training materials for sports concussion awareness and compliance.
Public Act 343
Michigan Law regarding Compliance of Sports Concussion Awareness Training for organizing entities, sponsors or operators of an athletic activity in which youth athletes will participate.

5. Concussion Law Leaders
Rep. Thomas Hooker
Michael Dabbs, Brain Injury Association of Michigan
John Johnson, Michigan High School Athletic Assoc.
Dr. Barbara Semakula, Wayne State University, Oakwood Hospital
Dr. Kenneth Podell, Henry Ford Hospital
Dr. Barbara Hoogenboom, Grand Valley State University
Dean Kleinschmidt, Detroit Lions
Dr. Pano Papalekas, Detroit Medical Center, Rehabilitation Institute
Dr. Steven Karageanes, Sports Medicine, DMC
Dr. Andrea Kuldanek, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Amy Teddy, Univ. Of Michigan, Motts Children Hospital
Jeffrey Kline, Sports Medicine, Oakwood Healthcare System
Mike Shoemaker, American Physical Therapy Assoc.
Jeff Monroe, Head Athletic Trainer, Michigan State Univ.
Linda Scarpetta, MI. Dept. of Community Health, Unintentional Injury Section
Kevin McKinney & Bill Zaagman, Lobbyists

6. Concussion Symptoms
Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories

7. Concussion Management
Changing Protocol:
Parents and caregivers of children still have an active role in recovery:
Phase One – Acute Rest:
First 24 to 72 hours
Don’t do anything
Don’t discourage visits, if desired
Phase Two – Relative Rest:
5-7 days, on average (toleration of a full day of work/school w/out symptoms)
Prohibit extreme rest and isolation
Allow for/encourage limited physical/cognitive activity
Phase Three – Gradual Exertion
Exposure to increasing levels of physical/cognitive exertion
Don’t “push through.” Back down instead.
BRAIN Process
Source: “Back in the Game,” Dr. Jeffrey S. Kutcher

8. Concussion Management
Changing Protocol (cont.):
BRAIN Process:
Bike – Stationary bike for minutes (light cardio exertion)
Run – 30 minutes of running (treadmill, elliptical)
Agility – Exercise drills/quick maneuvers
In Red – Put athlete into practice in red jersey (no hitting/contact)
No Restrictions – Return to play
Source: “Back in the Game,” by Dr. Jeffrey S. Kutcher

9. Future Changes to the Law
Exemption of students less than 18 years old attending universities playing on club/intramural sports.
Return to Learn
Accommodations for learning, school environment, time necessary for recovery.
Coaches education/training – tested every three years

10. Brain Injury Association of Michigan
For More Information
Thomas J. Constand
Brain Injury Association of Michigan
7305 Grand River, Suite 100
Brighton, MI 48114
Toll-Free (800)
Ph: (810)
Website: