Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive form of stereotactic radiosurgery that focuses many fine beams of radiation precisely on a target in the brain. Despite its name, there is no knife or incision: the beams converge on the lesion while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It treats certain brain tumors and vascular and functional disorders, often in a single session.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is used for selected brain conditions where extreme precision is needed — including brain metastases and other tumors such as acoustic neuroma, vascular abnormalities (arteriovenous malformations), and functional disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia. Many beams of low-dose radiation are aimed from different angles so that they converge on the target with a high combined dose, while each individual beam passes harmlessly through surrounding tissue.
Because it is incision-free, Gamma Knife avoids the risks of open surgery and usually needs no general anesthesia. Treatment is highly accurate, guided by detailed imaging and computer planning, and is often completed in a single session. It can be an alternative to surgery, or used when a lesion is difficult or risky to reach surgically — the choice is made jointly by neurosurgeons and radiation specialists.
International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel. Because the treatment is short and recovery quick, it can often be arranged efficiently, and our specialists can review brain imaging remotely first to confirm whether Gamma Knife is appropriate.
Who is a candidate?
- People with brain metastases or certain primary brain tumors such as acoustic neuroma or meningioma
- Patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) suitable for radiosurgery
- Those with functional disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia not controlled by medication
- People with lesions that are difficult or risky to reach with open surgery
- Patients seeking a non-invasive alternative to surgery, when clinically appropriate
What happens
- 1
Assessment and imaging
Detailed MRI or CT imaging defines the lesion precisely. Neurosurgeons and radiation specialists confirm together that Gamma Knife is the right option for you.
- 2
Planning
A lightweight head frame or mask keeps the head perfectly still, and a computer plan shapes the beams to the target. This planning is what makes treatment so precise.
- 3
The treatment
You lie still while the system delivers many converging beams to the target. The session is painless and you remain awake; it can take from under an hour to a few hours.
- 4
Same-day recovery
Because there is no incision, most people go home the same day or after one night and return to normal activities within a day or two.
- 5
Follow-up imaging
The full effect develops gradually over weeks to months. Follow-up scans track the response, and international patients receive a surveillance plan for after they return home.
Benefits
- Non-invasive and incision-free — no open surgery and usually no general anesthesia
- Extremely precise, sparing healthy tissue around the target
- Often completed in a single session with same-day or next-day discharge
- A quick recovery, with most people back to normal activity within a day or two
- Can treat lesions that are difficult or risky to reach surgically
Risks & considerations
- The full effect develops gradually over weeks to months, not immediately
- Temporary tiredness, headache or, where a frame is used, minor scalp discomfort
- Swelling around the treated area in some cases, which the team monitors and manages
- Not suitable for every lesion — size and location determine eligibility
- Occasionally, the need for further treatment if the lesion does not respond fully
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Neurological Sciences Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery — frequently asked questions
Gamma Knife is non-invasive and incision-free, and the treatment itself is painless. Most patients tolerate the session well and go home the same or next day. Your team explains exactly what to expect.
Many conditions are treated in a single session, though this depends on the diagnosis. Your specialist confirms the plan after reviewing your imaging.
For suitable lesions, yes. Gamma Knife can be an alternative to open surgery, or used when a lesion is hard or risky to reach surgically. Neurosurgeons and radiation specialists decide together which option is best for you.
The effect develops gradually over weeks to months as the treated lesion responds, so follow-up imaging is used to track the result rather than expecting an immediate change.
Because treatment is short and recovery quick, you usually need only a brief stay — often same-day or one night plus a short period locally. Your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your imaging rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
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