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Advantages of Gamma Knife treatment
- Non-invasive procedure
- Single treatment session
- Precise mechanical accuracy of .3mm
- Decreased risk: avoids risks and complications of traditional surgery
- Minimal hospital stay: usually performed in an outpatient treatment session; patient can resume normal activities within days of procedure
- Reduced costs due to post-surgical complications; no expenses for disability and convalescence
- Reimbursement by most insurance payors
Treatment Helps Woman End Years of Pain
Seventy-nine year-old Nancy was in such pain from trigeminal neuralgia, she couldn’t talk, have cold drinks or chew gum. Her neurologist offered three options: be on pain medication for the rest of her life, have a painful injection in her face to numb it, or try Gamma Knife treatment. “I chose Gamma Knife, and all I can say is God Bless the Boston Gamma Knife Center,” says Nancy. “I got rid of the pain and am weaning myself off medications. It’s like having a new life!”
– N.P., Cranston, R.I. (9/15/04)
Choosing a Treatment for Acoustic Neuroma
“I had two options: have intrusive surgery to remove the tumor or leave it with the possibility that it would cause more damage. The choice for Gamma Knife treatment was clear. The goal was to slow down the tumor growth or stop it. MRIs show it is slowly and steadily shrinking. I take care of my grandchildren, play bridge and walk every day. I live a very normal life.”
– M.K., Eastern Mass. (10/15/04) (Treated for acoustic neuroma, 1999)
Enjoying Life Again
“I had to stop work when the pain got unbearable. I tried the Gamma Knife treatment to get some relief. Except for a brief flare-up the day after my treatment, I haven't had an episode since going to the Boston Gamma Knife Center at Tufts Medical Center.”
– E.K., Central N.H. (8/1/04) (Treated for trigeminal neuralgia, 2004)
Living with a Brain Tumor
Diagnosed in 2003 with chondrosarcoma, a malignant, invasive tumor of the right brain, 33-year-old Rachel underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery at the Boston Gamma Knife Center. She now experiences none of the previous symptoms caused by the tumor. “I’m headache-free and work full-time,” she says. “I socialize and live a full and busy life. With the exception of follow-up medical visits every few months, my life is completely normal.”
– R.V.M., Boston, Mass. (10/7/05)
“Gamma Knife treatment gave me
hope for a longer life!”
– D.B., Western Mass.
“I am very happy with the attention
and help everyone gave me.”
– S.P., Northern Mass.
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