STAGE 1 - FRAME FIXATION

A stereotatic frame will be fixed to the patient's head in the preparatory room. This will cause some discomfort but local anaesthesia will be applied to ease the discomfort.

STAGE 2 - DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Patient will then undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan to localise the target tissue. An additional Cerebral Angiogram is also required for AVM patients.

STAGE 3 - COMPUTERISED TREATMENT
PLANNING

After the scan, patient will take a rest at the recovery area. From the MRI images, the neurosurgeon uses computerised treatment planning to decide on the dose and positioning of the rays. The treatment planning ensures that the dose delivered is accurate and just sufficient to neutralise the tumour target.

STAGE 4 - GAMMA KNIFE TREATMENT

Upon completion of the treatment planning, the patient undergoes the treatment in the Gamma Knife suite. The whole process takes about 1-3 hours (depending on the size and configuration of the lesion) and does not involve any surgical incision.

After the treatment procedure is completed, the frame will be removed and patient will have a few minutes of rest in the recovery area. Patient can return home the same day or the next morning, depending on the advice of the neurosurgeon.