Gamma Knife treatment
A non-invasive radiation treatment
The Gamma Knife sends precise radiation beams to targets in the brain that respond to radiation treatment.
What is gamma knife treatment?
As a state-of-the-art piece of equipment it allows a consultant to direct radiation beams to specific areas within a patient's head without making an incision. It allows day case treatments with fewer complications.
Its precision and non-invasive nature means it can treat tumours in areas previously considered inoperable due to the high risk of surgical complications.
How does Gamma Knife treatment work?
Advantages of gamma knife treatment
Non-invasive
Effective
Proven
Accurate
Flexible
One treatment session
Fast and Gentle
Minimal side effects
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
An aluminium frame is fitted to your head, applied under local anaesthetic. For some patients a mask will be used rather than a frame. You’ll have an MRI scan to outline the area requiring treatment. For some blood vessel malformations (AVMs), a blood vessel X-ray is also needed (cerebral angiogram). You’ll then move into the gamma knife, where multiple radiation beams will be delivered.
Most treatments require one session, but the procedure may require several hours when frame fitting, scanning, treatment planning, treatment delivery and recovery is taken into account. Most patients return home the same day. You may stay overnight if treatment has been for a vascular malformation. -
How to prepare icon plus
You'll be asked to remove all make-up, hairpieces, dentures, contact lenses and glasses. Underwired bras should not be worn and we also advise that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is 100 per cent cotton. A light, early breakfast should not be a problem, we start the day at 8.30am. Due to the frame, you may find it difficult to eat during the day. Like all procedures, there are potential risks or side effects involved with Gamma Knife treatment. Your consultant will explain these to you and you will be able to discuss them before the treatment. A member of the team is likely to contact you before the day of treatment to ensure you have all the information you need before attending. -
Afterwards icon plus
Once the frame is removed, you may notice some bleeding from the pin sites. If so, this stops with pressure for a few minutes. These small wounds may feel sensitive for a few days afterwards. You might have a headache or feel nauseous afterwards. And your consultant may prescribe steroids for you to take after the procedure to help prevent any swelling or inflammation around the area treated with radiation. You'll may be able to return to normal activities - even work - within one to three days. Your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment to check how you're recovering and to assess how you've responded to treatment.
Meningioma treatment
“My symptoms were brushed off as a hormone imbalance, but it was in fact a brain tumour, which had been growing for years”
Previous patient at The London Gamma Knife Centre
Our gamma knife consultants
Consultant
Specialties
Private Neurosurgery in London: Brain Surgery,Neurooncology,Brain Tumours,Neuro Spinal,Neurosurgery - Developmental,Epilepsy Surgery,Neurosurgery - Movement disorder,Pain management,Neurosurgery - Trauma,Neurology,Brain tumour
Works at
The Wellington Hospital
The London Gamma Knife Centre
Consultant
Specialties
Private Consultant Radiologists in London
Works at
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
The Princess Grace Hospital
The Harley Street Clinic
London Bridge Hospital
HCA UK at The Shard
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
London Bridge Hospital
The Wellington Hospital
The London Gamma Knife Centre
Consultant
Specialties
Clinical oncology: Breast cancer,Lung,Small cell lung cancer,Non small cell lung,Other types of lung cancer
Works at
The Princess Grace Hospital
The Harley Street Clinic
The Lister Hospital
Sydney Street Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre
The London Gamma Knife Centre
LOC at 95 Harley Street
LOC at Chelsea
LOC at Platinum Medical Centre
LOC - Leaders in Oncology Care
Specialties
Private Neurosurgery in London: Brain Surgery,Headaches and Facial Pain,Spinal Pain Management,Endoscopy
Works at
London Bridge Hospital
The London Gamma Knife Centre
The Wellington Hospital
Our Gamma knife location
We're constantly investing in new technology at all our facilities so we can give you the best possible care. The London Gamma Knife Centre at The Wellington Hospital is just one example.
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The London Gamma Knife Centre
Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 7JA
Contact us about Gamma Knife treatment
Any questions about gamma knife treatment, or would you like to make an appointment? You can call or email us and we'll be happy to help.