Gamma Knife radiosurgery for your child
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a treatment option for some children.
Its high precision means:
- Minimal effect on normal brain tissue
- Low radiation exposure to other parts of the body.
This makes the treatment safer for children than many other available treatments.
In children, Gamma Knife is often used:
- To stop the growth of benign or malignant tumours
- For arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treatment and
- In some cases of epilepsy.
The principles of Gamma Knife treatment for children are largely the same as those for adults.
The differences are that in children, the following are required:
General anaesthetic: The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic to ensure your child remains still during the treatment.
Overnight stay: Due to the anaesthetic, most children will stay in the hospital overnight for observation.

How to prepare your child for the treatment
Food and medications
- Your child must not eat or drink anything after 2am on the morning of the procedure.
- Check with your doctor whether your child can have their regular medications the night before or morning of the procedure.
- Tell your doctor about:
- Any allergies your child has.
- Any implanted medical devices in their body, such as a stent.
Clothing
- Your child should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Bring clothes and toiletries for his or her overnight stay.
- Make sure your child is not wearing any of the following:
- Jewellery
- Contact lenses
- Makeup
- Nail Varnish
If your child wears glasses, they will be removed just before treatment.