Why We Love the Gamma Knife

Last updated 7 months ago

In the past, many men and women burdened with brain tumors close to vital structures were simply told that their tumors were simply “untreatable” through surgical means. With the introduction of stereotactic radiosurgery, however, this approach has changed. Gamma Knife technology is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery that pinpoints brain tumors with unparalleled accuracy using CT or MRI imaging. It then administers a high dose of radiation to the tumor, causing it to progressively shrink. At the Illinois Neurological Institute, we love the Gamma Knife for a variety of reasons:

It is not a traditional surgery. Although Gamma Knife treatment is technically called “stereotactic radiosurgery,” it is not surgery at all in the traditional sense. No scalpels or sutures are necessary to complete treatment and patients experience no pain.

It is extremely precise. Gamma Knife technology utilizes advanced CT and MRI imaging modalities to pinpoint the precise location of the brain tumor or abnormality before administering treatment. This helps to ensure that healthy tissue is not damaged during the procedure.
It reduces disruptive side effects. Unlike more traditional forms of radiation therapy, the Gamma Knife can treat tumors without as much damage to the surrounding tissues. For this reason, patients typically suffer from fewer side effects after their Gamma Knife treatment.
It is performed in only one treatment. For the most part, patients only need to undergo one Gamma Knife treatment. Therapy typically lasts for a single day and patients are often able to go home on the same day as their Gamma Knife treatment.

In addition to Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, the specialists at the Illinois Neurological Institute Brain Tumor Clinic offer CyberKnife technology, Image-Guided Radiotherapy, and a variety of other surgical and non-surgical options. If you would like to learn more about the benefits and advantages of stereotactic radiosurgery, please call our healthcare team today at (309) 740-3766. We are happy to answer your questions.