Gamma Knife Treatment in India

Types & Procedure of Gamma Knife Treatment in India

There are two types of Gamma Knife treatment. These are:

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
• Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

It is a highly precise medical procedure that uses the Gamma Knife to deliver high-dose radiation treatment with high accuracy by focusing specifically on a small target within the brain. This advanced type of technique can be used in the management of various medical conditions:
Brain Tumors: SRS is used to treat brain tumors at both early stages and last stages. Its non-invasive nature makes it an alternative treatment to traditional surgery. By precisely targeting the tumor, SRS delivers radiation while minimizing harm to healthy surrounding tissues.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Gamma Knife SRS is also used in managing AVMs, which are abnormal blood vessels that increase the risk of bleeding or other complications. 
Trigeminal Neuralgia: SRS effectively treats and manages trigeminal neuralgia which is a condition of severe facial pain. This procedure can lower the pain and enhance the quality of life of patients.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT)

Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) is a type of Gamma Knife treatment that delivers high radiation in lower doses in multiple sessions. This approach is suitable for conditions that involve larger brain tumors or conditions in which large areas of the brain are involved.
Large Brain Tumors: SRT is useful in dealing with larger brain tumors that may not be suitable for a single session of SRS. This technique reduces the risk of complications of the procedure.
Preservation of Surrounding Tissue: SRT is also used in cases where preserving the health and function of surrounding brain tissues is of great importance. The controlled delivery of radiation over multiple sessions minimizes the chances of damage to healthy structures.

Procedure of Gamma Knife Treatment

The general overview procedure of the gamma knife treatment is as follows:

Head Frame Placement: Before the procedure, a specialized head frame is attached to the head of the patient. This head frame helps to deliver rays and ensure precise targeting of the treatment area.

Imaging and Planning: Once the head frame is in place, the patient undergoes imaging scans, typically MRI or CT scans. These scans provide detailed images of the brain and the lesion to be treated.

Treatment Planning: The medical team creates a treatment plan according to the situation of each patient. This plan involves the specific coordination of the team and the dosage of radiation that should be delivered to the target area.

Radiation Delivery: The Gamma Knife machine is aligned with the treatment area. The machine has many small radiation beams that deliver precisely at the target. These beams deliver a high dose of radiation to the lesion while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The patient remains awake and aware during the treatment.

Treatment Duration: The radiation delivery usually lasts from a few minutes to an hour. It usually depends on the complexity of the treatment plan.

Frame Removal: Once the radiation treatment is completed, the head frame is removed. This step is usually quick and relatively painless.

Recovery: Recovery is quick after gamma knife treatment. Some medications are used to control symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and headaches.

Cost of Gamma Knife Treatment in India

The cost of gamma knife treatment in India ranges from ₹ 4,60,000 to ₹ 5,70,000. The cost can vary according to the condition of an individual patient. The cost can also vary according to the number of treatment sessions required.

Gamma Knife Treatment Costs in Different Cities of India

Symptoms & Risk Factors of Gamma Knife Treatment

Indications of Gamma Knife Treatment

Some of the indications of Gamma Knife Treatment are:

• Brain Tumors
• Abnormal Brain Blood Vessels (AVMs)
• Severe Facial Pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia)
• Pituitary Gland Tumors
• Cancer Spread to the Brain
• Ear Nerve Tumors 
• Certain non-cancerous Brain Tumors
• Abnormal Brain Blood Vessels

Risk Factors of Gamma Knife Treatment

Some of the risk factors that are associated with Gamma Knife treatment are as follows:

Radiation Side Effects

Gamma Knife treatment involves radiation which can cause some side effects in patients such as headaches, fatigue, and temporary hair loss.

Brain Swelling

After the treatment with high gamma rays, there are the chances of brain swelling that can cause the symptoms of nausea and headache.

Risk of Bleeding

Gamma Knife treatment that is used for abnormal blood vessels usually carries a small risk of bleeding. The bleeding can occur late after the procedure and can create further complications.

Nausea and Vomiting

Some patients experience the symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to exposure to high radiation gamma rays. However, this complication can be resolved with some medications.

Neurological Symptoms

There may be temporary neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness but this usually depends on the location where high radiations are delivered during the procedure.

Infection

There is a risk of infection at the site where the tool is attached during the procedure. The infection can also occur late after the procedure.

Changes in Brain Function

Gamma Knife treatment can affect brain function particularly if nearby healthy tissue is exposed to radiation. This may result in damage to these structures that change the functioning of the brain.