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The LI Gamma Knife team of physicists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and nurses have expanded the use of the Gamma Knife to treat intractable cancer pain as well as essential tremors (ET).

The Gamma Knife’s 201 intersecting cobalt beams provide a dose of precise radiation equal to 20-30 traditional radiation treatments, in one 45-minute session.  Because of the very steep fall-off of the radiation field outside the specified target area, the dose to immediately surrounding tissue is minimized. Studies on the effectiveness of GKPR have shown that patients experience significant pain reduction within 48 hours after treatment and that it has long-lasting clinical effect in controlling cancer pain. 

ETs are rhythmic, spasms caused by an involuntary and uncontrollable contraction of muscles. The episodes and duration of ETs may vary. They harm millions of children and adults. The hands are most often affected in ET, but the head and neck, face, jaw, tongue, voice (causing a shaking or quivering sound), and the trunk may also suffer. Approximately 1 in 20 people older than age 40 and 1 in 5 people over 65 have ETs. It's a more disease than Parkinson's.

Gamma Knife Thalamotomy (GKT) is a secure, precise and non-invasive intervention. The treatment has resulted in drastic improvements in otherwise complicated cases of ETs. GKT treats the thalamus, a tiny area of the brain that regulates some involuntary movements.  

After GKT, 90% of patients with ETs have experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in their ET score, with 50-78% of patients reporting either no or very slight intermittent ETs. Reports of prominent improvements are made by patients with multiple sclerosis, have also increased their ability to perform acts of daily routine without help. Since Gamma Knife surgery is minimally invasive, the lengthy hospital stays associated with brain surgery are avoided. Patients may return home the same day of treatment, and can usually resume their normal activities, including working and driving, within days. There is little risk of potential morbidity, such as hemorrhage and infection, that is associated with conventional surgery. 30 years of clinical study documents in multiple publications, peer-reviewed articles have shown that the Gamma Knife has clear benefits compared to traditional neurosurgery.