Where is Gamma Knife done?
Gamma Knife delivery of radiation A needle at the end of the IV is placed in a vein, most likely in your arm. The time needed to complete the procedure may range from less than an hour to about four hours, depending on the size and shape of the target. During the procedure: You won’t feel the radiation.
Who is a candidate for Gamma Knife surgery?
In general, patients who are most likely to benefit from Gamma Knife surgery are those whose conditions include: Benign brain tumors, including meningiomas (non-cancerous tumors) Metastatic brain tumors/brain cancer. Malignant primary brain tumors, including glial or glomus tumors.
Who is eligible for Gamma Knife?
Abnormalities measuring less than 3 centimeters, or 1 inch in diameter, can be treated with the Gamma Knife. Today, patients with serious disorders can be treated with this noninvasive procedure in one day with no overnight hospital stay.
Are you awake during Gamma Knife surgery?
You will be awake during the radiosurgery, but you will be comfortably sedated. An IV is placed in your arm prior to the treatment. Medication is then administered through this IV to help you relax. You will also receive a special medicated lollypop.
Is Gamma Knife surgery painful?
Gamma Knife surgery is a painless computer-guided treatment that delivers highly focused radiation to tumors and lesions in the brain.
Do you lose your hair with Gamma Knife?
It is bloodless, virtually painless, no loss of hair and rapid return to pre-treatment activities. Gamma Knife therapy may be suggested as an adjunct to standard neurosurgical therapy or as the preferred course of treatment when further traditional therapy is not recommended.
What can go wrong with Gamma Knife?
Complications arising from Gamma Knife Radiosurgery are rare, but call your Rocky Mountain Gamma Knife Center doctor if you have: Pain at the points where the head frame was attached that does not improve or gets worse. A fever of 100.5 or greater. Severe headache or any headache that does not improve within 48 hours.
What are the side effects of Gamma Knife?
What are the risks and/or side effects of Gamma Knife surgery?
- Swelling of the brain.
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Numbness/tingling sensation on the scalp at the pin placement sites.
- Hair loss (only occasionally if tumor is close to the scalp and hair follicles are irradiated).
- Seizures.
- Bleeding (brain hemorrhage).
Do you lose hair with Gamma Knife?