An overview of Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Brain stereotactic radiosurgery, also known as Gamma Knife radiosurgery, is a type of radiation therapy used to treat tumors, abnormal blood vessel formations (arteriovenous malformations), and other brain abnormalities. The procedure involves attaching a lightweight frame to the patient's head to keep the head stable during the radiation treatment. The frame serves as a reference point for focusing the beams of radiation.
What is Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery used for?
Brain stereotactic radiosurgery, such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery, is typically used to treat various conditions in the brain, including:
- Brain tumors (both noncancerous and cancerous)
- Arteriovenous malformations (tangles of arteries and veins in the brain)
- Trigeminal neuralgia (a facial pain condition) Gamma Knife radiosurgery delivers multiple beams of radiation with extreme accuracy to the targeted area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is often preferred over traditional brain surgery due to its lower risks and fewer side effects. The procedure is usually performed in a single day, and the planning process typically takes less than an hour. While children may receive medication to put them in a sleep-like state, adults typically remain awake during the procedure.
How to prepare for Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery?
To prepare for a brain stereotactic radiosurgery test, patients should:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before the procedure.
- Consult their healthcare team about taking their regular medications the night before or morning of the procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Refrain from wearing jewelry, eyeglasses, contact lenses, makeup, nail polish, dentures, wigs, or hairpieces during the procedure.
- Inform their healthcare team about any allergies, diabetes medications, implanted medical devices, or claustrophobia. The procedure generally involves attaching a lightweight frame to the patient's head, numbing the scalp with shots, performing brain imaging scans, creating a radiation treatment plan, and lying on a bed that slides into the Gamma Knife machine. Patients may be given medication to help them relax during the procedure.
How are Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery results reported?
The results of Gamma Knife radiosurgery are reported based on the condition being treated and the response of the patient. Typically, the treatment effect occurs slowly, and it may take several months or years for the desired results to be observed. In some cases, the tumor may shrink, while in others, it may prevent future growth. The results of the procedure are carefully monitored, and if there are any side effects or complications, appropriate medications will be provided to manage them. Overall, Gamma Knife radiosurgery is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional brain surgery, and the results are typically reported in terms of the treatment's success in addressing the specific condition being targeted.
Understanding the report
The results of brain stereotactic radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery) are interpreted based on the condition being treated. The treatment effect occurs slowly, and the timeframe for observation varies depending on the condition:
- Benign tumors: The main goal of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for noncancerous tumors is to prevent any future tumor growth. The tumor cells are kept from reproducing, and the tumor may shrink over a period of months to years.
- Malignant tumors: Cancerous tumors may shrink quickly, often within a few months.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): The radiation therapy causes the atypical blood vessels of brain AVMs to thicken and close off. This process may take two years or more. In all cases, the results of the stereotactic radiosurgery are typically evaluated using imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to monitor changes in the targeted area. The radiation oncologist or neurosurgeon will assess the effectiveness of the treatment and determine further course of action based on the results.