What is gamma knife used for?

The system directs many small radiation beams toward a planned target. Each beam is relatively low in intensity along its path, while the beams converge at the treatment area. Imaging helps the team map the target and protect nearby structures as far as the plan allows.

It may be considered for selected brain tumours, areas of cancer spread, and some non-cancerous brain or blood-vessel conditions. Suitability depends on the target's size, location, number of areas, symptoms, previous treatment, and overall health. Gamma Knife is not a surgical knife and usually does not involve an incision into the brain.

Your team may arrange imaging and discuss medicines, head positioning, and whether you need someone to accompany you home. Tell them about implanted devices, blood-thinning medicines, pregnancy, seizures, and any difficulty lying still. Ask how many visits are planned and when follow-up imaging will assess the treated area.

After treatment, contact the care team for worsening headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, a seizure, confusion, vision change, or increasing problems with balance or speech. Seek urgent help for a seizure that does not stop, loss of consciousness, or sudden severe neurological symptoms.

Ask why this approach is being offered, what area will be treated, how nearby brain structures will be considered, what side effects may occur, and what alternatives fit your situation.