Patient Guide
Your treatment is tailored to your individual condition
To define the location, size, shape and nature of lesions or abnormalities, a number of advanced imaging tests such as computed tomography (CAT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or cerebral angiography studies are performed.
If you have a brain tumor your Gamma Knife nurse, doctor or technician will wheel you to the MRI area of the hospital, which is immediately next door to the Gamma Knife suite. There you will have several MRI images taken. When completed, your nurse or technician will return you to the Gamma Knife suite. CT images may also be required.
If you have an arteriovenous malformation - an artery and vein that have not formed properly - you may have an angiogram. A catheter will be inserted into an artery in your groin. X-rays will be taken of dye injections that help determine the exact position of the artery and vein formation. Before the day of your procedure, your doctor will discuss these procedures with you in more detail and advise you of any risks associated with these imaging studies.
For your comfort, you will receive a mild anesthetic and sedative. After the tests are completed, you can relax in the pre-treatment suite while the Gamma Knife Center team of specialists designs a customized dose plan.
Patient Guide
- What to expect during Gamma Knife treatment
- Attaching the stereotactic head frame
- Imaging
- Gamma Knife treatment planning
- Gamma Knife treatment
- Post Gamma Knife treatment
- How to Prepare Yourself for Gamma Knife Treatment
- Risks
- Scheduling
- Admissions
- Parking and Directions
View a printer-friendly version of the Memphis Regional Gamma Knife Center's complete Gamma Knife patient's guide.
