

Gamma Knife
What is Gamma Knife?
Brain tumours, abnormalities, and other conditions are treated with stereotactic radiosurgery, known as the Gamma Knife. Highly focused gamma radiation beams are employed in this non-invasive treatment to kill aberrant brain tissue. A linear accelerator called the Gamma Knife targets specific areas of the brain with radiation while sparing healthy tissue around them. This makes it, in many instances, a very safe and highly successful alternative to conventional brain surgery.
Who needs Gamma Knife?
When a person has a brain problem that cannot be treated with typical surgical techniques or when the hazards involved with conventional brain surgery are too significant, Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be required. Among the conditions that can be treated with the Gamma Knife include the following:
Arteriovenous malformations (AVM).
Brain tumours
Metastatic brain tumours
Pain conditions
Parkinson's disease and other conditions impacting movement.
Trigeminal neuralgia
The most typical reasons for getting treated with the Gamma Knife include the following:
High-risk surgical candidates
If a patient has a severe medical condition that makes them a high-risk candidate for traditional brain surgery, such as heart disease or lung disease, the Gamma Knife may be a better option.Inoperable brain tumours
Gamma Knife may be a good alternative for therapy if a brain tumour is in a sensitive part of the brain or cannot be safely removed during routine surgery.Multiple brain tumours
In contrast to many surgical operations, the Gamma Knife may be a more effective and efficient therapy choice for someone with multiple brain tumours.Recurrent brain tumours
Gamma Knife therapy may be an effective method for removing any excess tumour tissue in cases when a brain tumour has reappeared following earlier surgical treatment.
Not everyone is a candidate for the Gamma Knife, and the best course of action will depend on the precise details of each patient's illness and general health. It is crucial to go over your options with Dr Motilall so that she can help you select the best course of action for your particular needs.
How is Gamma Knife performed?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and does not involve incisions or surgical intervention.
The following steps are how Gamma Knife is performed:
Planning
To produce a 3D map of the target location, a thorough brain imaging scan is carried out before the surgery. The radiation beams are planned using this data to ensure they are delivered precisely to the targeted tissue.Local Anaesthesia
The patient is placed in a customised frame affixed to their head after receiving local anaesthesia to numb the scalp. This frame is utilised to keep the head motionless and guarantee that the radiation beams are delivered precisely to the intended area.Radiation delivery
The Gamma Knife device uses targeted gamma radiation beams to treat the targeted brain tissue when the patient is in place and the anaesthesia has taken effect.Monitoring
The patient's vital signs are kept track of during the operation, and their head position is changed to guarantee the precision of the radiation administration.Recovery
Most patients can go home after the treatment, while some might need to stay overnight for observation.