Gamma Knife® radiosurgery is an advanced method of treatment that doctors at Lehigh Valley Health Network are using to treat brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain, skull-base tumors and the pain disorder trigeminal neuralgia. Gamma Knife is unique because there is no surgical incision. In a single procedure, the Gamma Knife painlessly treats these conditions by passing a high dose of radiation through your skull and targeting the affected area of your brain. This single beam of radiation focuses precisely on the area that needs treatment. It does not affect the surrounding healthy brain tissue at all. The effect of the treatment occurs gradually, sometimes taking six months or longer. In most cases, the procedure stops the growth of your tumor or AVM, causing the diseased area to shrink or disappear.
Because there is no incision, you will recover quickly. You will be treated as an outpatient and typically can resume your normal activities within a week.
Resources for You
How Gamma Knife Works
201 different beams of radiation go into the brain to destroy the tumor or other problem. More >>
Is Gamma Knife Right for You?
Find out if you are a good candidate for this type of surgery. More >>
Meet Our Team
Lehigh Valley Hospital—Muhlenberg has the region's only Gamma Knife program. Our team includes neurosurgeons, physicists and radiation oncologists. More >>
Your Treatment Day
Learn what to expect when you come to LVH for your treatment. More >>
After Your Treatment and Follow-up Care
Find out what to expect when your Gamma Knife treatment is complete. More >>
Glossary of Terms
Here are some words and phrases you might hear while you are researching Gamma Knife. More >>
