Gamma Knife

Gamma knife radiosurgery uses focused radiation to treat pituitary and brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and acoustic neuromas. This minimally invasive procedure does not use a knife or scalpel. 

General anesthesia prevents your child from feeling any pain during the procedure. You can expect your child to have one overnight stay in the hospital. 

The effects of treatment will occur over time — a period of weeks or months. We may check your child's progress with follow-up MRI, CT, or angiography images.

Gamma Knife vs. Traditional Surgery

Gamma knife surgery is an alternative treatment option that can avoid the risks of traditional brain surgery. Benefits include:

• Short treatment time
• Shorter hospital stays
• Shorter rehabilitation time
• Little to no damage to healthy brain tissue
• Fewer surgical complications, like hemorrhage, infection, and cerebrospinal fluid leak
• No other physical trauma or disruption of normal brain function

At UVA Health Children's, our neurosurgeons will talk to you about whether this is a good treatment for your child. We can address any concerns that you have, and offer the full spectrum of care. 

At UVA Health, we've treated more than 7,000 patients with gamma knife from around the world since 1989. Our reputation and high level of experience offer your child the best chance for successful results.

Your child can receive safe, effective treatment in a single session at our world-class Gamma Knife Center.