Do you need a referral for stereotactic radiosurgery?

The doctor who diagnosed or is treating the condition often makes the referral. Individual centres have their own booking routes, and a centre may require imaging and clinical notes before offering an appointment.

Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery does not involve an incision. It delivers focused radiation to a precisely defined target, commonly in the brain or another carefully selected area. A referral is a request to assess suitability rather than a promise that this technique will be used.

The team examines the target's size, number, location and relationship to sensitive structures. It also considers the diagnosis, symptoms, earlier radiation, other treatments and whether a different radiation technique, surgery, medicines or observation would be more suitable.

Ask the referring clinician to send the relevant scan images as well as the written reports; the planning team often needs to view the images directly. Pathology results, operative notes, earlier radiation details, a treatment summary and an up-to-date medicines list may also be needed.

Tell the team about implanted devices, previous radiation to the same area, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, allergies and difficulty lying still. Continue current treatment as directed while the assessment is arranged, and check whom to contact if symptoms change.

Do not wait for a referral appointment if you develop a first seizure, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, new difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, marked confusion or a sudden severe headache. Seek emergency care for these symptoms.

Contact the treating team promptly for worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, new balance problems or changes in vision. These symptoms need clinical assessment; they do not by themselves establish the cause or determine whether stereotactic treatment is appropriate.

Consider asking what the treatment aims to achieve, why this technique is being considered, which alternatives apply and whether previous scans are sufficient for planning. Ask how treatment could affect nearby healthy tissue, which side effects require a call and who remains responsible for your care between appointments.