What is the Gamma Knife?
The Leksell Gamma Knife® was deveoped by Lars Leksell, M.D., a neurosurgeon, and Borje Larsson, M.D., a physicist in the 1950's. Gamma Knife is a radiosurgery technique that allows a neurosurgeon to target and treat very specific areas in the brain utilizing a single dose of radiation without actually making an incision. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is recognized world wide as the preferred treatment for metastatic brain tumors. It is proven safe and a very effective non-operative treatment for many intracranial disorders.
|
| How does it work?
No incision is made. Instead of surgically treating abnormal areas of the brain, the Gamma Knife's uses 201 radiation sources focused on the area to be treated. The gamma radiation painlessly, silently and with extreme precision treats the abnormal tissue. Only the treated area receives a significant dose of radiation, which is unique compared to other radiation therapy treatments that do not spare the surrounding brain tissue. Generally only one treatment is necessary. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be repeated in other areas of the brain at the same or different times.
|
Indications:
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is recognised as an effective treatment for multiple conditions.
- Acoustic Neuromas
- Arteriovenous malformations
- Astrocytomas
- Meningiomas
- Pineal tumors
- Pituitary tumors
- Glioblastoma Multiforme
- Metastatic tumors to the brain
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Essential Tremor
- Parkinsons tremor
You go home the same day after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
|
| Risks
The risks of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery vary from patient to patient based on location of the area to be treated and the condition being treated. Treatment risks include but are not limited to radiation necrosis, secondary malignancy caused by the radiation (ie: formation of new tumor), hemorrhage, infection from the placement of the stereotactic head frame, paralysis and death. Gamma Knife treatment doesn't eliminate the potential need for open surgery. In some cases swelling in the region treated may require steroid therapy or surgery. Discuss your particular situation with your treating physician.
|
|
