Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in Gamma Knife of Spokane. This technology is amazing - treating what is a very serious disease or debilitating condition with a single treatment that allows you to get on with your life the next day with minimal side effects. If you still have questions after looking through these, feel free to contact our nurse coordinator, Jill Adams, via phone at (509) 473-3800 or by clicking here.

How does the Gamma Knife procedure compare to neurosurgery for a brain tumor?

Because Gamma Knife radiosurgery requires no incisions and no general anesthesia, the risks of complications, infection or other side effects are greatly reduced if not eliminated altogether. As an outpatient procedure for trigeminal neuralgia, the patient can in most cases, return home by dinner the same day of surgery and resume normal activity. For many tumors and tremors, the actual procedure takes less than 3-4 hours from the time the head frame is affixed to 'frame off'. The patient usually stays overnight in the hospital for monitoring and observation. It is this factor - the single-day treatment with minor complications - that separates a Gamma Knife procedure from traditional neurosurgery. Patients 'get on with living' much more quickly after a Gamma Knife procedure than they would if they underwent a surgical procedure.

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The content of this web site is for _*informational purposes only*_ and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider. If you have a medical problem or a health-related question, consult your physician or call our center at 509.473.3800 for an appointment to meet with one of our neurosurgeons.