FAQ About Gamma Knife

Stereotactic radiosurgery, also known as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), is a minimally invasive treatment for many tumors, abnormalities and functional disorders of the brain, head or upper neck. Although called radiosurgery, the procedure does not require a surgical incision. We call it surgery because stereotactic radiosurgery can have the same precision and result as open surgery, but with the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure.

What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery?

The Leksell Gamma Knife® is the gold standard for non-surgically treating many serious neurological disorders located in the head and neck, including:

• malignant tumors
• metastatic brain tumors
• benign brain tumors, including acoustic neuromas, meningiomas and pituitary tumors
• arteriovenous malformations
• trigeminal neuralgia

Is Gamma Knife radiosurgery the right treatment for my condition?

If you have a brain tumor or other lesion or disorder of the head or neck, the best person to determine if you are a good candidate for Gamma Knife® radiosurgery is a practicing neurosurgeon who uses the technology. In making a recommendation, the physician will consider the lesion type, size and location.