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There are four phases to the treatment process:
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- Application of the head frame
- Imaging
- Treatment planning
- The treatment itself
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Frame Application:
The application of the Leksell Stereotactic Coordinate Frame® is the only uncomfortable portion of the procedure. Local anesthetic is injected into the scalp. The frame clamps on to the patients head so it will not move during treatment. Most patients describe the sensation of frame application as "pressure".
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Once the frame is in place the "pressure" sensation lessons and you will notice the added weight of the frame. After the frame is in place several measurements are made. These measurements are entered into the Gamma Knife computer. These measurements are used in calculations that will help us position you for treatment.
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Imaging:
After the frame is placed and the measurements are completed an imaging study is performed. This is usually a high resolution MRI scan of the brain, in some cases it is a CT scan. When AVM's are being treated an angiogram may be obtained. The imaging study is loaded into the Gamma Knife computer.
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Treatment Planning:
The MRI images are used by the Gamma Knife team to develop a treatment plan specific for each patient. The exact location of the area in the brain to be treated is identified by your neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist.
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Treatment:
Once the treatment plan is developed the patient is positioned for treatment on the Gamma Knife couch. The head frame is attached to a helmet that focuses the 201 Cobalt-60 beams on the target.
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Once positioned, the couch will move automatically into the Gamma Knife Unit. The treatment is silent and painless. You will be monitored by the staff continuously during the treatment. Some conditions require several trips in and out of the Gamma Knife Unit.
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