What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife surgery is a type of radiosurgery that uses a highly focused beam of gamma rays to deliver a high dose of radiation to a small, precisely targeted area of the brain or spine. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and trigeminal neuralgia.

Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any incisions. Instead, the gamma rays are delivered through a helmet-like device that fits over the patient's head. The helmet contains multiple gamma ray sources that are aimed at the target area from different directions. This allows for a very precise distribution of the radiation dose, which minimizes the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Gamma Knife surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients are able to go home the same day. The procedure itself typically takes less than an hour, and there is usually minimal pain or discomfort.

Gamma Knife surgery is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of brain and spine conditions. It offers a high degree of precision and accuracy, and it minimizes the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.