Dr. Brandon Baughman Joins Subdural Hematoma Study

Semmes Murphey Clinic neuropsychologist Dr. Brandon Baughman is joining Dr. Adam Arthur in a clinical trial exploring new treatment for patients with chronic subdural hematoma. A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the layers of tissue that surround the brain, usually caused by serious head injuries.

The trial is testing a new liquid agent used to stem the blood flow. Dr. Baughman’s role as Neurocognitive Coordinator tasks him with evaluating brain function in patients undergoing the treatment.

“People who have chronic subdural hematomas typically don’t do well from an outcome standpoint and often have mental impairment as a result,” he says. “Dr. Arthur invited me to participate and evaluate how successfully the STEM procedure may help with cognitive function over time.”

Dr. Baughman has designed a performance-based battery of tests that allow doctors to measure certain areas of brain function, such as memory, attention, concentration, processing speed and executive function (language and mental flexibility). The tests are given as a patient enters the study, and these are considered their baseline results. They’re then re-tested at various touchpoints throughout the trial to measure their performance over time.

He’s also designed a training manual and video to certify the examiners who administer the tests to trial patients at sites throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Few studies have investigated neuropsychological outcomes in people with the condition, and no one has studied it in a systematic way over time. Understanding more about cognition and behavior in these patients and investigating whether the treatment enhances these functions can lead to better outcomes in the future.

“We already have patients enrolled and I’m excited about the potential of what we can learn and how we can improve quality of life for these patients moving forward,” says Dr. Baughman.

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