What should you know about gamma knife radiation?

Each beam passes through the head and contributes to the planned dose where the beams converge. Imaging and computer planning help the team shape that dose around the target. This approach is called stereotactic radiosurgery, although it uses radiation rather than an open surgical cut.

The treated area may include a brain metastasis or a selected brain tumour. Nearby healthy tissue can still receive some radiation, and swelling or other effects can occur depending on the target and its location. The response develops over time, so symptoms, scans and the wider cancer plan all matter.

Ask which imaging will guide planning, whether the treatment is a single visit or a staged plan, and whether medicines are needed to reduce swelling or control seizures. Tell the team about previous radiation, implanted devices, pregnancy and medicines that affect bleeding. Keep every follow-up appointment so changes can be distinguished from treatment effects or disease activity.

For context, compare [Stereotactic Radiosurgery](/treatments/radiation-oncology/stereotactic-radiosurgery/) with [Whole Brain Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/whole-brain-radiotherapy/) in a discussion tailored to your scans.

Get emergency help for a new seizure, sudden one-sided weakness, collapse, severe confusion, or an abrupt change in speech or vision. Report a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, unusual drowsiness or fever promptly, because these symptoms can need assessment after brain radiation.

What target will receive radiation? Which nearby structures need protection? What short-term effects should I watch for? How will scans show treatment response, and who reviews them with me?