Contact Information
West Virginia University
Department of Neurosurgery
PO Box 9183
Morgantown, WV 26506-9183
304-293-5041
Medical Access & Referral System (MARS):
800-WVA-MARS
800-982-6277
Clinic Appointments:
304-598-4890
Home | Benefits | The Procedure | Radiosurgery Steps | Preparing for Treatment | Treatment Team
Neurosurgery Home | Cranial Base Neurosurgery | Pediatric Neurosurgery
1. Arrival
In Ruby Memorial Hospital, take the elevator to the second floor. After exiting the elevator, turn left and proceed to the registration desk in the Ruby Day Surgery Center.
2. Preparation Area
A nurse will take you to the preparation area where an intravenous line (IV) will be started.
3. Head Frame Placement
You will be escorted to the imaging area where medication will be given to relax: you. The physician will place the head frame. The frame allows the physician to plan the treatment and position your head very precisely for the actual treatment. The frame is aluminum and weighs less than two pounds. You will wear it all day.
The frame will be attached to your head with four pins - two on your forehead and two on the back of your head. You will receive numbing medication at the pin sites. Frame placement takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Scanning and Treatment Planning
After the frame is placed, we will take MRI, CT, or other images of your head and brain that are needed for precise planning of your treatment.
5. Treatment planning may take up to two hours.
During this time, you may rejoin your friends or family members, and you may be permitted to eat or drink. The head frame must remain attached but you should not feel discomfort.
6. The Procedure
Once treatment plan is complete, you will be taken back to the Radiation Therapy suite and placed on the Gamma Knife couch. Your head, with frame attached, will be positioned precisely according to predetermined target coordinates. During your treatment, the medical team will be in another room. You will be watched through closed circuit TV, and a microphone near your head will enable you to communicate with the team. The treatment usually lasts one to two hours.
7. After the Procedure
After your treatment, the head frame will be removed and the pin sites will be cleaned and covered with band-aids. You will be monitored for approximately an hour before going home. You will receive specific instructions concerning follow-up care. With the Gamma Knife, serious side effects or complications can occur but are very rare. They will be explained to you prior to your procedure.