Frequently asked questions
In the questions and answers section we have answered a few of the
most frequently asked questions and hope this will help to answer
some of yours.
Will the Gamma Knife procedure and treatment hurt?
While the head frame is being fitted under local anaesthetic,
you may feel some pain. The actual Gamma Knife treatment is a
totally painless procedure.
After treatment, when can I go back to work?
As soon as you feel well enough. There is no reason why you
shouldn't go back to work the next day.
Will I lose my hair?
Normally no. Local hair loss may occur with superficially
located targets for irradiation.
How long does the treatment last?
Scanning and treatment take most of a day although the time
spent lying in the Gamma Knife will depend on the size of the
target area and hence how many 'shots' are needed to treat it
properly. Each shot lasts 2-30 minutes and therefore treatment
times will vary accordingly.
How will I feel afterwards?
Tired but relieved with some discomfort of the scalp at the
points where the frame was held in place. Tension headaches may
persist for a day. Also some nausea may occur during the first 48
hours.
Is it safe?
Very safe in terms of the risk of damage to tissue around the
target area. If the target area is large or the abnormal tissue
requires intense irradiation the main risk is temporary swelling of
surrounding areas and in just a very few patients abnormal
feelings, sensations or fits. Such symptoms are very rare,
temporary and treatable with drugs.
Will I see or feel anything?
No, only sensations where the frame presses on the scalp. You
may be aware of a flashing red light in the room which indicates
treatment is taking place.
Will I be radioactive?
No. The gamma ray particles pass through the target cells,
either colliding with molecules in the tissues or passing out of
the body to give up their energy harmlessly in the treatment
room.
When will I know if the treatment has worked?
In slow growing tumours changes in the target cells take place
over many months, in some abnormalities 12-18 months and this is
the reason for annual review. In faster growing tumours e.g.
metastases changes may be apparent in one month. In a few cases
where the aim is to stop intractable pain, some relief may occur in
the hour following treatment.
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