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Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)Stereotactic radiosurgery is a way of treating brain disorders with a precise delivery of a single high dose of radiation in a one-day session. Treatment involves the use of focused radiation beams delivered to a specific area of the brain to treat abnormalities, tumors or other functional disorders. Fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy - which are treatments received over a period of days or weeks - may be administered in the body or brain with the assistance of removable masks and frames that achieve some degree of lesser mobilization. Stereotactic radiosurgery is limited to areas that can be immobilized with devices that completely restrict movement, permitting the most precise and accurate treatment. SRS and SRT are performed on an out-patient basis allowing you to be home that same day you are treated. Radiosurgery (one-session treatment) has such a dramatic effect in the target zone that the changes are considered "surgical." Through the use of three-dimensional computer-aided planning and the high degree of immobilization, the treatment can minimize the amount of radiation to healthy brain tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery is routinely used for brain tumors and lesions. It may be the primary treatment; utilized where a tumor is inaccessible by surgical means; or as a boost or adjunct to other treatments with a recurring or malignant tumor. Stereotactic radiosurgery works the same as all other forms of radiation treatment. It does not remove the tumor or lesion, but it distorts the DNA of the tumor cells. The cells then lose their ability to reproduce and retain fluids. The tumor reduction occurs at the rate of the normal growth rate of the specific tumor cell. In lesions such as AVMs (a group of abnormal blood vessels in the brain), radiosurgery causes the blood vessels to thicken and close off. The shrinking of a tumor or closing off of a vessel occurs over a period of time. For benign tumors and vessels, this will usually be 18 months to two years. For malignant tumors and metastatic tumors, results may be seen as soon as a couple of months as these cells are very fast-growing. Stereotactic Radiosurgery is a revolutionary treatment that can have a profound effect on some patients' lives. For more information, speak with your physician or contact us at info@nhneurospine.com. As you read this information, keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual. Only your physician can provide you with a detailed list of your specific indications, precautions, potential adverse events, and other important medical information.
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