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If you need treatment for a brain disorder, such as a brain tumor or blood vessel abnormality, an innovative type of radiation therapy called Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be an option for you. This gold-standard treatment can safely and effectively treat complex neurological conditions without an incision (cut), sometimes in a single treatment session.

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Proton & Advanced Radiation Center is the only facility in the Charlotte region that offers Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Our state-of-the-art center was specially designed to deliver the most advanced clinical care in a comfortable, supportive environment. And as established leaders in radiation therapy and neurosurgery, our team is here to guide you through treatment that’s expertly tailored for your best quality of life.

What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery?

Gamma Knife is an advanced type of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery. The procedure doesn’t involve a surgical incision. Instead, it uses highly focused beams of radiation to treat tumors and other conditions in the brain and skull region.

Some of the benefits of Gamma Knife radiosurgery include:

  • Precision: Special equipment allows doctors to treat diseased brain tissue with carefully targeted radiation that minimizes harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Safety: Since it’s a non-invasive procedure, the risk of infection and other complications is low. Treatment also automatically stops if you move even the tiniest amount, which helps prevent exposure to radiation outside of your targeted treatment plan.
  • Recovery time: Radiosurgery is often done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Most patients experience very little discomfort and can quickly get back to regular activities.
  • Cost: Gamma Knife radiosurgery doesn’t require a lengthy hospital stay or rehabilitation, which helps keep costs down compared to traditional surgery alone.

Why choose Levine Cancer for Gamma Knife radiosurgery?

  • World-class care, close to home: As the only Gamma Knife center in the Charlotte area, and one of only 5 across the Carolinas, our facility is a destination for this advanced treatment. And when you come to us for care, you benefit from the expertise and experience of both Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute.
  • State-of-the-art technology: We use the most advanced technology on the market to perform stereotactic radiosurgery. Compared to earlier equipment, the device we use can treat even more tumors in hard-to-reach areas and provides a significantly more comfortable treatment for most patients.
  • Expert team: Your dedicated care team may include highly trained neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nurses and other specialists who work together to personalize your care for the best outcome.
  • Personal care navigation: Our dedicated Gamma Knife coordinator will guide you through the entire process, from answering questions and coordinating appointments to connecting to you to helpful resources. If needed, our Global Healthcare Services team can also assist with travel, lodging and more.
  • Patient-centered approach: Everything we do is focused on your well-being. Our Gamma Knife facility has extra features built in for your comfort, and we offer a range of support services to promote healing and wellness throughout your treatment journey.

Conditions we treat with Gamma Knife

Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions in the brain, including tumors, facial pain and vascular disorders. Depending on your health, it may be the only treatment you need, or it may be used in combination with other therapies.

Some of the conditions we treat with Gamma Knife surgery include:

  • Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannomas)
  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
  • Brain metastases (cancer that has spread to the brain from another area)
  • Brain tumors (cancerous and noncancerous)
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Chordoma
  • Craniopharyngioma
  • Glomus tumors
  • Meningiomas
  • Pineal tumors (pinealomas)
  • Pituitary tumors, like pituitary adenomas
  • Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain)

What to expect from Gamma Knife radiosurgery

If your doctor recommends Gamma Knife treatment, we’ll make sure you know what to expect at every step.

  • Before treatment

    Using imaging and a special computer program, we’ll create your custom treatment plan. You’ll also have a custom face mask made for your procedure. Your care team will tell you how to get ready for treatment day.

  • During treatment

    We’ll help you get in position on the treatment table with your mask on. Then, your personalized treatment plan will begin. You shouldn’t feel any pain during Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

  • After treatment

    You can go home the same day as the Gamma Knife procedure and return to normal activities shortly after. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress.

Learn more about the treatment process in our Gamma Knife radiosurgery patient guide.



Request more information


Whether you have questions about Gamma Knife surgery or want to schedule a consultation, we’re here to provide the information you need. Fill out the form below and our Gamma Knife coordinator will contact you.





We understand that your privacy is important. Our privacy policy describes our practices.

 

For referring providers

When you refer a patient to us for Gamma Knife radiosurgery, our experts work with you and your patient to provide the highest level of care. We keep you informed and involved throughout treatment and transition your patient back to your care when treatment is complete.

For questions about referrals, please reach out to our Gamma Knife coordinator at GammaKnife@AtriumHealth.org.



Meet the team


Below, meet some of the health care providers on our Gamma Knife treatment team. Learn more about what they do in our Gamma Knife patient guide. To request more information about scheduling a consultation with our providers, please complete this form.

 

Our location

We perform Gamma Knife radiosurgery in Charlotte, NC, at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Proton & Advanced Radiation Center. If you’re traveling to Charlotte from outside of the Carolinas, you may qualify for assistance from Global Healthcare Services. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is also available in Winston-Salem, NC, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Frequently asked questions

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