South Sound Gamma Knife at St. Joseph Medical Center
South Sound Gamma Knife offers cutting-edge treatment with the Gamma Knife® system, a revolutionary non-invasive procedure used to treat a variety of brain conditions. Located at St. Joseph Medical Center, we are the only Gamma Knife facility in the South Puget Sound region. Our location between Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR, serves as a beacon of hope for patients from all over the country seeking effective treatment for conditions once considered inoperable.
The Advanced Technology of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Gamma Knife radiosurgery, also known as stereotactic radiosurgery, represents one of the most advanced forms of radiation therapy available today. Despite the term “surgery,” it involves no physical incisions or scalpels. Instead, Gamma Knife treatment uses a precisely targeted beam of gamma radiation to deliver a high dose of radiation to a specific area in the brain, such as a tumor or lesion.
This technology is particularly effective because of its precision. With up to 192 converging beams of high-dose cobalt-60-generated photons, the Gamma Knife is able to treat areas that are difficult to access with traditional surgical methods. This level of precision allows doctors to target specific problem areas in the brain while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The result is a powerful, highly focused treatment that minimizes side effects and speeds up recovery.
At South Sound Gamma Knife, we use the latest technology, the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon™. This system provides unparalleled precision and control, helping our team treat complex brain conditions safely and effectively. Patients are fitted with a custom headframe or mask to ensure that the radiation is delivered exactly where it is needed, making the process both accurate and comfortable.
Gamma Knife Treatment Bonney Lake – A Safe and Effective Solution
One of the most remarkable aspects of Gamma Knife treatment is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional brain surgery, which requires cutting through the skull and brain tissue, Gamma Knife treatment leaves the skin unbroken. This non-invasive technique reduces the risk of complications like infection and excessive bleeding, making it an attractive option for many patients, particularly those who may not be healthy enough for traditional surgery.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is safe, effective, and painless. The procedure typically lasts a few hours, during which time the patient remains awake and comfortable. Most patients experience little to no discomfort and are able to return to their normal activities within days of the procedure. This rapid recovery time is another reason why Gamma Knife is favored by both doctors and patients alike.
Each year, more than 80,000 patients worldwide undergo Gamma Knife treatment. At South Sound Gamma Knife, we are proud to be part of this global effort to provide life-changing treatment to patients who need it most. Whether you are dealing with a benign or malignant brain tumor, an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), or a condition like trigeminal neuralgia, Gamma Knife surgery could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Conditions Treated with Gamma Knife
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is used to treat a wide range of brain conditions. While the technology is primarily associated with brain tumors, it has proven effective for various neurological conditions. At South Sound Gamma Knife, we treat the following conditions:
- Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor that affects the nerves responsible for balance and hearing.
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to bleeding or other complications.
- Brain Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can be treated using Gamma Knife, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
- Essential Tremor: A neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking, often affecting the hands, head, or voice.
- Metastatic Tumors: Tumors that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body.
- Pituitary Adenomas: Tumors located in the pituitary gland, which can affect hormone production and overall bodily functions.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A condition that causes severe facial pain due to malfunctioning of the trigeminal nerve.
Gamma Knife’s ability to target specific areas of the brain with pinpoint accuracy makes it a powerful tool for treating these and other brain-related conditions. The procedure is particularly valuable for patients who are not good candidates for traditional surgery due to other health conditions or the location of the affected area.
Gamma Knife Procedure Bonney Lake
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Ask your doctor about Gamma Knife treatment or call 866.254.3353 to schedule an appointment and learn if Gamma Knife treatment may be right for you.
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