Gamma Knife: treatment with frame

A lab technician will pick you up for the radiation. Your head lies still because the frame is attached to the table. During the radiation treatment, you will be monitored by the lab technician with the help of cameras and intercom.

The medication allows you to fall asleep during the radiation. This is not a problem. Your head lies still because it is attached to the table. You can always ask the lab technicians how long the treatment will take.

Do you need to go to the toilet during treatment? Tell the lab technicians. They can pause the radiation.

After the radiation, the lab technicians carefully remove the frame. One lab technician supports your head, while the other loosens the screws.

You may feel some pressure in your head when the frame is removed. This is normal and will pass quickly. After the frame has been removed, the lab technicians check that the wounds on your forehead and back of the head are not bleeding. We tape the wounds on your forehead with plasters.

We recommend that you do not wash your head for 24 hours after removing the frame. This allows the wounds to heal properly.

Due to the high accuracy, irradiation with the Gamma Knife has a small chance of side effects Most common side effects

In the first days or weeks, usually temporarily:

• Fatigue
  Fatigue You may feel fatigued. This can be due to your treatment and your condition, but also regularly traveling to the hospital can be an extra burden. The fatigue may persist after the treatment.
• Complaints due to swelling (oedema), for example headache and nausea.
  Sometimes a temporary spot of fluid (edema) can develop from or around the tumor within a few days after treatment. This can cause headaches, nausea or vomiting. Neurological deficits in the head or brain or an epileptic seizure are an exception. To prevent this, the practitioner sometimes prescribes dexamethasone for a few days to counteract the swelling. These complaints can also occur weeks to months after the radiation. You must then contact your practitioner immediately on 020 512 9111. In emergencies, we are available 24 hours a day.
• Swollen eyelids
  Temporary complaints after placing the frame are swollen eyelids and sensitivity or no feeling of the scalp where the screws have been. The eyelids are swollen due to the sagging of the injected liquid for the local anesthetic. This is harmless and disappears after a few days. The frame may cause slight pain during installation or after removing the screws. In the following week or weeks, the spots may be painful and the headache may persist.

After a few months:

• Radiation necrosis
  After a few months to years, you may experience a radiation reaction. The chance of this is small. Radiation necrosis is an inflammation that occurs during the removal of the tumor cells. You may experience headaches, nausea, loss of function or seizures. This can be treated well with medication. Very occasionally surgery is necessary.
• Hair loss
  The risk of hair loss is minimal and only happens if the tumor is close to the skull. Your radiation oncologist will tell you about this if this applies to you.
• Memory loss or dementia
  Memory loss or dementia due to radiation hardly ever happens. If this applies to you, the radiation oncologist will tell you.

At the end of your radiation treatment, you will remain under control for a while. If you have any questions about side effects, medication or the periodic MRI scan, you can always reach us on 020 512 9111. Then ask for the Radiotherapy department.