It is a very precise and effective instrument that uses radiation to perform brain surgery. Since the Gamma Knife uses radiation, this treatment is often called radiosurgery. Using this method, doctors are able to focus radiation directly and very precisely on the lesion without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. The radiation beams individually are too weak to damage the normal tissues they cross on their way to the target, but when focused precisely on that target, they intersect and the combined radiation is sufficient to destroy the targeted area. Your head will not be shaved.
Treatment is much shorter than conventional surgery and causes only minor discomfort.
Most patients will only be in the hospital overnight and can return home and resume normal activities. In most cases, only one treatment session is needed. The full effects of the Gamma Knife treatment may not be seen for several months following treatment.