How does stereotactic radiosurgery work?

A planning team uses detailed scans to locate the target and define its size, shape and position. A computer then coordinates the beam angles, dose and treatment position. The radiation may come from a specialised machine or from a system that moves around you. Although the name includes surgery, no incision is made and the target is not cut out. The treatment creates biological damage in the cells within the planned area; the body gradually clears damaged cells over time.

Stereotactic radiosurgery can be considered for selected brain tumours, small areas that have spread to the brain, and some nearby conditions such as acoustic neuroma or meningioma. Gamma Knife and CyberKnife are different technologies used to deliver this type of focused treatment. Whole-brain radiotherapy covers a much broader area and is a different approach.

Your team may ask you to have planning imaging, keep your head still with a mask or frame, and review medicines before the session. Tell them about implanted devices, pregnancy, allergies and medicines that affect bleeding. During treatment, you usually remain awake and can communicate with staff. Afterward, follow instructions about activity, medicines and follow-up scans. The timing of symptom improvement varies because radiation effects develop gradually.

Contact your treatment team promptly for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, confusion, a seizure, vision or speech changes, or difficulty walking. Seek emergency help for a seizure that does not settle, sudden severe neurological change or loss of consciousness. These symptoms can have several causes, so describe when they began and whether they are changing.

Ask what the target is, why focused radiosurgery is suitable, how the treatment will be planned, what side effects need urgent attention, and when follow-up imaging will assess the response.