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The Gamma Knife is an effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery. This highly sophisticated technology precisely directs focused radiation to specific targets in the brain. Typically performed in a single outpatient treatment session without general anesthesia, this proven technique helps patients avoid incision, scarring, and long hospital stays while minimizing surgical complications. For many conditions, Gamma Knife treatment is the most accurate form of stereotactic radiosurgery treatment available. See the FAQs for more detailed information about the Gamma Knife.
Conditions treated with the Gamma Knife include: |
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Brain tumors and vascular disorders account for the majority of radiosurgical procedures today. Gamma knife is able to treat these disorders in the frequent times they occur in the brain. The Gamma Knife is effective in controlling tumor growth and hemorrhaging from vascular malformations and targets lesions so exactly that the risk of harming healthy tissue is minimized. In certain cases, Gamma Knife treatment may serve as an adjunct to standard neurosurgical therapy or as the preferred course of treatment when further traditional therapy is not recommended.
Gamma Knife treatment is often the preferred alternative for patients who are not candidates for conventional neurosurgery or radiation therapy. It also may be recommended as an additional therapy for individuals who have already undergone surgery or radiation and require further treatment.
The Gamma Knife may also be recommended for patients with the following conditions:
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Tumors or vascular malformations that are surgically inaccessible |
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Risk factors that make surgery inadvisable |
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Need for an additional dose of radiation following conventional radiation therapy |
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Recurrent tumors |
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Facial pain |
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Our multidisciplinary team (including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, neuroradiologists, oncologists, neurologists, nurses and radiation therapists) evaluates each patient to determine whether Gamma Knife treatment is the best option. The patient's medical history is reviewed, along with imaging studies and information provided by the patient's physician. If Gamma Knife treatment is not considered appropriate, the team will suggest an alternate treatment option. |
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Conditions Treated |
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| Control rates of 80-85% for metastatic tumors, essentially comparable to open surgery – with fewer risks and shorter hospital stays. |
| 90% control rate at ten-year follow-up. |
| Complete obliteration of arteriovenous malformations in 60-70% of patients within two to three years. |
| For trigeminal neuralgia, initial pain relief in over 80% of patients; long-term pain relief without medications in 63% of patients at four-year follow-up. |
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