Neurology: surgery

Question 0

Radioactive element used for radiosurgery.

Answer 0

Cobalt

Question 1

What is stereotactic radiosurgery?

Answer 1

One large dose of radiation to a small intracranial lesion using a well-focused beam.

Question 2

How is the dose determined using the Leksell gamma knife?

Answer 2

Determined by the time spent in the unit.

invented by Lars Leksell

Question 3

Most common indication for using the gamma knife.

Answer 3

Metastatic tumors

Question 4

What are the four steps for gamma knife surgery?

Answer 4

1. Secure frame to the patient’s head for a point of reference in localizing a tumor and to immobilize the patient while in the unit.
2. Obtain a CT or MRI
3. Team analyzes the images obtained in step 2 to make a plan.
4. Administer treatment. Ranges from 15-30min.

Question 5

What are the 3 major treatments for brain metastasis?

Answer 5

1. Surgery
2. Whole Brain Radiation
3. Gamma Knife

Question 6

What are the advantages of gamma knife surgery?

Answer 6

Single session treatment
chemotherapy does not need to be delayed
can be repeated
avoids the dementia that is caused by whole brain radiation

Question 7

What is the cyberknife?

Answer 7

A machine used to administer radiation that is situated on a pivoting hydraulic arm.

Can treat the entire body, there is no head frame and can be fractioned into multiple doses.

Question 8

What is the trilogy?

Answer 8

A linear accelerator that delivers radiation to all parts of the body. It has improved software to allow targeting tumors in moving tissue such as the lungs and around the heart.