Illinois Gamma Knife Center at Alexian Neurosciences Institute  

Our Tests, Treatments, and Therapies

What happens before the Gamma Knife procedure?

Prior to the day of your Gamma Knife treatment, you will meet with our neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist. If you are interested in seeing the Illinois Gamma Knife Center suite prior to your treatment day, this can be arranged by our Gamma Knife staff to better prepare you for the experience. Your neurosurgeon will conduct a complete history and physical exam prior to the procedure.

When you arrive on the day of your treatment, the placement of a light-weight head frame will be applied with four small "pins" after the area is numbed with a local anesthesia. This frame gives the physicians and physicist exact marking for matching your brain structures to the images from the MRI, CT scan, or angiogram.

What happens during the Gamma Knife procedure?

The Gamma Knife process is quick and painless. With the frame in place, you will lay on the Gamma Knife "couch." The couch is a movable table that holds the frame (and your head) motionless in a large, metal cylinder-type helmet. The helmet contains the precise holes that will allow the radiation source to penetrate the skull by up to 201 different angles. The couch will move you into position once the beams of radiation are ready to be delivered. Your physicians and nurse will be watching you via cameras during the duration of the treatment. You will be awake and talk to the staff throughout the procedure or you can bring a CD and listen to music while receiving the treatment. Depending on the location and the number of doses you need, the procedure time will vary and be based on each individual patient.

What can I expect after the procedure?

The head frame will be removed after the treatment session is completed. You may have a slight headache, minor swelling, numbness, or tingling sensations where the frame was attached. These are normal feelings and will go away over time. Your doctor will determine if you can go home or if you need to remain in the hospital for observation. If you require an overnight stay, you will be admitted to the Neurosciences Unit where specially trained nurses will care for you until you are discharged. If you are discharged the same day, you must have a family member or friend drive you home. Your physician will monitor your response to treatment in follow-up visits and schedule additional imaging at regular intervals to monitor your response to the Gamma Knife treatment.