Principles of Information and Follow Up

Abstract

The patients requiring Gamma Knife neurosurgery will usually be suffering from a dangerous, potentially life threatening and thus intensely worrying condition. To become someone who is assessed for referral to the Gamma Knife involves a process which varies greatly with the condition to be treated. The details of presentation are considered under the chapters about the specific diseases. Nonetheless, the nature of the conditions treated, their rarity and the variety of opinions about optimal treatment induce frustration and anxiety in these patients. Most referring physicians know relatively little about the details of a radiosurgery treatment. However, there is also a wealth of information available on the internet which can be helpful but may also be confusing. Thus, a Gamma Knife centre’s staff must always be aware that the pathway to referral has in most cases been a troubled route for patients suffering from a dangerous illness.