Depending on the complexity, it can take several hours to complete. During this time, patients may eat, watch television, listen to music, read, play cards and do other activities. Once the treatment plan is complete, patients are taken to the Radiation Oncology treatment area and helped onto a treatment table. The head ring is secured to the treatment table to immobilize the patient's head. Several measurements are taken during the process to ensure accuracy, and adjustments are made as needed.
Treatment begins after accuracy has been confirmed by the radiation oncologist and physicist.
The linear accelerator rotates around the head several times during treatment. The machine comes close but does not touch the head. When treatment is completed, the head ring is removed. This is a simple and painless process. Antibiotic ointment will be applied to the screw insertion sites.