| What can be treated? The Gamma Knife
is a dedicated radiation device exclusively for intracranial tumors and
malformations.
Brain Tumors
The Gamma Knife is very effective in the treatment of brain tumors
whether the tumor is a primary tumor (glioma, astrocytoma, meningioma)
or secondary tumor (brain metastases - tumors that have their origin
from cancer from elsewhere in the body).
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
When veins and arteries connect directly rather than through
capillaries, the result is a tangle of thin-walled vessels susceptible
to rupture, which can cause neurologic deficit, headaches, seizures, or
even death. While the most definitive way to eliminate these
malformations is by surgical removal, sometimes that is not possible or
a patient may opt for a less invasive method of control. The radiation
from the Gamma Knife causes the lining of the blood vessel at the target
to thicken over time, creating a blockage that, over time, will reduce
the chance of rupture.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Gamma Knife treatment is an appropriate consideration when medication
has failed to relieve the terrible sharp facial pain which is
characteristic of this condition. Although surgical intervention is
effective for these patients, operation on the trigeminal nerve at its
origin from the brainstem is a quite major surgical procedure. Gamma
Knife treatment works by creating a disturbance of conduction within the
nerve, thereby blocking the transmission of this pain.
Acoustic Neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
Dr. Neil Giddings, neuro-otologist, is a surgeon who has surgically
removed hundreds of acoustic neuromas (benign tumors that develop on the
nerve that effect hearing and balance). Dr. Giddings now uses the Gamma
Knife extensively for treating these tumors because of its lower risk of
deafness and facial paralysis.
Pituitary Tumors
These tumors are often associated with thyroid, adrenal and reproductive
gland problems as the pituitary controls all their functions. Gamma
Knife surgery is very effective in treating these difficult-to-access
tumors.
Cancer Pain
By targeting the pituitary with the Gamma Knife, our team can perform a
radiosurgical hypophysectomy which, in the case of intractable cancer
pain, can result in marked improvement of the pain and less need for
narcotic and psychoactive medication.
Tremors
Deep brain stimulation research has identified an area of the brain
(close to the VIM nucleus) through which electrical signals are
transmitted that cause the hands of a patient to tremble or move
uncontrollably. This target can be treated with a 4mm 'shot' of
radiation from the Gamma Knife that will disrupt the transmission of
this unwanted signal. Whether it is an essential tremor, Parkinsonian
tremor or one associated with multiple sclerosis, the Gamma Knife has
been effective in reducing the tremor or eliminating it altogether.
If you have been diagnosed with either essential tremor or
Parkinsonian tremor, there is
research and our own experience that
indicates you may benefit from gamma knife treatment. Working closely
with Dr. David Greeley, our center has seen results similar to the
findings of the aforementioned research. For additional information,
contact Dr. Greeley directly and ask him about your suitability for
gamma knife intervention. Back to questions |
