Patient Guide
How to Prepare Yourself for Gamma Knife Treatment
Following are some guidelines for how to prepare yourself for Gamma Knife surgery. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 901.726.6444.
Night before Gamma Knife surgery
- Wash your hair (instead of washing it the day of the surgery)
- Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight, which will reduce the chances of an upset stomach during the Gamma Knife procedure
Day of Gamma Knife surgery
- If you must take medication by mouth that day, first ask the Gamma Knife nurse or doctor about taking the medication
- Bring your favorite CDs or tapes to play on our stereo
- Remove all jewelry, eyeglasses or contact lenses, wigs or hairpieces, makeup, nail polish, dentures or any other prostheses before preparing for the Gamma Knife procedure
- Try to empty your bladder before changing into the hospital gown
You will have an intravenous (IV) line started in your arm. This will allow you to receive fluids and medications to help you relax. Yes, your mouth will feel dry but we cannot allow you to have water yet.
Your nurse will wheel you to the Gamma Knife suite on a stretcher where you will begin the program. For most patients a blood pressure cuff, oxygen monitor and EKG monitor will be attached to monitor vital signs through the day.
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.
