Gamma Knife

Noninvasive Treatment for Neurological Disorders in New Jersey

Gamma Knife is a stereotactic radiosurgery device that allows our neurologists to treat neurological conditions without surgery. Gamma Knife’s name can be misleading – this is a nonsurgical, noninvasive tool, meaning a Gamma Knife procedure does not require incisions or blood loss. Instead, Gamma Knife pinpoints the damaged areas of the brain with extreme accuracy and delivers a high dose of radiation to destroy the damaged cells.

Gamma Knife was designed for precision, so unlike many other forms of radiation therapy, Gamma Knife can deliver treatment without damaging the surrounding healthy cells.

Gamma Knife can be a viable treatment for:

• Malignant Tumors
  • Brain metastasis
  • Glioma
• Benign Tumors
  • Meningioma
  • Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannoma)
  • Pituitary adenomas
• Vascular Anomalies
  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
  • Cavernous malformations
• Functional and Pain Disorders
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Essential tremor

What to Expect

These procedures are quick, painless, and can be done on an outpatient basis. During the operation, you will lie face up on a table that slides into a large opening. From here, all you need to do is lie still while the machine goes to work. A video camera and intercom in the device keeps you in contact with the doctor at all times during the procedure. A session can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the brain damage. In the majority of cases, only a single Gamma Knife session is required.

Unlike many other radiation treatments, Gamma Knife does not result in hair loss, nausea, or any of the other debilitating side effects cancer patients frequently experience. Patients may experience headaches for a brief period after treatment, which can be treated with over-the-counter medication.

After the Gamma Knife Procedure

Depending on the condition you were being treated for, the doctor may ask you to stay overnight for observation. Gamma Knife procedures do not require long recovery periods, and most patients return to their normal routine within a day or two.

While you should only require one Gamma Knife session, it takes time for the treatment to take full effect. You will need to make follow up visits with your doctor over the next few weeks for an assessment of your condition.

Gamma Knife is offered at several of our locations. Contact us to learn more.