How the Gamma Knife Works
Traditional neurosurgery often comes with complications, including potential damage to surrounding tissues, infection, and lengthy recovery time. However, neurosurgeons can use Gamma Knife surgery to treat a number of neurological conditions, such as brain tumors and vascular malformation.
What is the Gamma Knife?
Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive alternative to traditional neurosurgery. This treatment method is typically an outpatient procedure wherein the individual is conscious for the duration of the process. Preoperative CT scans and MRIs provide neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists with a precise location of the brain tumor or other target to be treated. Then, hundreds of gamma radiation beams are directed at the target while sparring surrounding healthy tissues. Patients usually experience no ill side effects and can continue with their daily activities soon after the completion of the Gamma Knife procedure.
Why do neurologists prefer the Gamma Knife?
Neurosurgeons frequently employ Gamma Knife surgery for its high level of effectiveness and low medical dangers. Many patients witness a decrease of four to five centimeters in the size of their brain tumor, which may eventually disappear after treatment. Moreover, Gamma Knife surgery comes with fewer of the risks that accompany invasive neurosurgery, including damage to adjacent tissues, infection, and hemorrhaging.
Who can benefit from the Gamma Knife?
Neurosurgeons have used Gamma Knife to successfully combat acoustic neuroma, pituitary adenoma, meningioma, chordoma, and more. Patients who suffer from conditions that traditional neurosurgery cannot treat can also benefit from the Gamma Knife procedure. Moreover, the costs of Gamma Knife surgery are typically 25 to 30 percent less than conventional brain surgery and are often covered by insurance providers.
If you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, vascular malformation, or functional disorder, contact the Illinois Neurological Institute. Our neurologists have successfully used Gamma Knife surgery to treat a number of neurological conditions. To schedule a consultation with one of our neurosurgeons, please call our Peoria facility at (309) 740-3766.
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