Radiosurgery is a noninvasive technique that delivers a beam of high dose radiation directly and specifically to an affected area. We use it to treat both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in the spine and brain and other disorders listed below. Radiosurgery shrinks tumors and may be used alone or in conjunction with surgery. It may allow doctors to treat areas of the brain that may not normally be accessible by surgery and or reduce the complexity of the surgery.
Radiosurgery may be used to treat
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
- Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVFs)
- Intracranial Brain Tumors
- Spinal Tumors
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
Our neurosurgeons routinely use CyberKnife radiosurgery. CyberKnife is a robotic radiosurgery system. To learn more about this particular technique click wwwcyberknife.com and/or ask our staff for information.
What to expect
- CT scan to ascertain size, shape and location of tumor or problem area.
- Information is digitally entered and a treatment plan reviewed by your health care team
- Generally performed as outpatient procedure
- Patients lies on table and radiation is applied directly to the specified area.
- Treatment takes 30-90 minutes and may need to be repeated depending on your condition.
As always your neurosurgeon will assess and discuss with you the best treatment options for your individual condition.
Referenced: Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Cyber Knife, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Barrow Neurological Institute.
