Why A Gamma Knife Is Not Just Used For Brain Tumours

You may well be at least a little familiar with the Gamma Knife, a device that is commonly associated with very precise radiotherapy aimed at shrinking brain tumours. However, that is far from its only use, something that will be very relevant for sufferers of other conditions who benefit from its versatility.

The device was invented after much research by Swedish scientists Lars Leksell and Borje Larsson, with the prototype appearing in 1967. A second, more advanced version of the gamma knife was developed in 1975 and thereafter, various units appeared around the globe, including, eventually, here in Vienna.

However, Prof Leksell’s vision for gamma knife radiosurgery was not, initially, for brain tumours. His priority was to carry out neurological surgery to tackle pain and movement disorders, as well as mind disorders that would not respond to conventional psychiatric treatment.

Because there was such obvious potential for the device to be used in treating brain tumours, this was the inevitable next development. However, that does not alter the fact that gamma knife treatment remains just as useful for treating other conditions.

Common Conditions Treated By Gamma Knives

Among these are non-cancerous tumours, lesions and malformations, as well as certain nerve-related conditions. If you are suffering from one of these conditions, it may come as a surprise to learn that these, not malignant brain tumours, were the original reason for the development of the gamma knife.

Epilepsy is a common condition and one that a gamma knife can treat. The condition is caused by a failure of the transmission of electrical signals in nerves to function correctly, leading to irregular muscle problems and, at worst, seizures.

A gamma knife can treat this by focusing radiation on areas of the brain where abnormalities exist, as these are the source of irregular electrical signals.

This technique can work in similar ways in other conditions that involve problems with nerve signals. In some cases, such as trigeminal neuralgia, this involves using radiotherapy to block the capacity of a nerve to transmit pain, although this will take a few weeks to be effective.

In this instance, radiotherapy may be given as a means of stopping symptoms, alongside a range of other treatments, including surgery to help tackle common root causes of the condition, such as a large blood vessel compressing a nerve.

Parkinson’s disease is another neurological condition a gamma knife may aid, by helping to deliberately scar an area of the brain where the disease is causing malfunction, although the most effective and preferred form of treatment now is the use of an electrical implant to send a mild current to those areas and prevent the malfunction from occurring.

How AVM Can Be Tackled

Another brain condition gamma knife treatment can help with is arteriovenous malformation (AVM). This is a condition in which a group of arteries and veins in the brain become a jumble and do not carry out the normal function of maintaining the steady flow of blood to and from the brain.

This can lead to swelling and bursting of blood vessels because of a lack of capillaries that would normally carry blood between vessels.

The condition is very rare, but serious. A small and fortunate minority remain asymptomatic, but common symptoms include dizziness, numbness, nausea and vomiting and mental issues like dementia and hallucinations, with the worst instances leading to brain damage, seizures and strokes.

Radiotherapy using a gamma knife is one of the options for treating an AVM, which involves helping to break up the mass of arteries and can either cause it to disappear in time or at least reduce the bleeding. As with a lot of treatments, gamma knives have the benefit of being non-invasive and therefore able to access the issue when invasive surgery cannot.

Non-Malignant Tumour Treatment

Finally, there is the fact that the tumours gamma knives are used on are often non-malignant. The aim is to shrink them and, preferably, prevent them from coming back.

Indeed, this is more important because while many malignant tumours, such as glioblastoma, are incurable and the main aim of radiosurgery is to extend life, whereas the permanent reduction of a benign tumour means tackling problems that could otherwise cause problems for the patient over a period of many years or even decades.

What all this means is that if you or a family member has a condition that does not involve a malignant tumour but may be treated with a gamma knife, you can be assured this is not only normal, but closer to the original use for the device intended by Professor Leksell.

To find out more about Gamma Knife surgery, brain tumours and treatment options, get in touch with the Amethyst Radiotherapy team today.

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK Appoints Sasha Burns as New CEO

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK is pleased to announce the appointment of Sasha Burns as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership across both the NHS and the independent sector, Sasha brings a wealth of expertise in operational excellence, commercial strategy, and transformational healthcare delivery.

Sasha joins Amethyst from Alliance Medical, where she served as Chief Commercial and Operations Officer. In this role, she was responsible for delivering high-quality services, setting national standards, and driving business transformation across multiple service lines. Prior to this, she spent 10 years at Nuffield Health, where she held a variety of leadership positions, including Director of Regional Operations, overseeing 11 acute hospitals and 26 Well-being Centres across the South West.

A former radiographer, Sasha’s career began in frontline healthcare before she transitioned into management roles, leveraging industry knowledge to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. She also holds an MBA from Henley Business School, further strengthening her strategic and commercial expertise.

Commenting on her new role, Sasha Burns said: “I am delighted to join Amethyst Radiotherapy UK at such a pivotal time in its growth. Amethyst is at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge radiotherapy services, and I look forward to working with the team to continue advancing patient care, expanding access, and driving innovation in cancer treatment.”

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK remains committed to providing world-class radiotherapy, and under Sasha’s leadership, the organisation is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the field.

World Cancer Day & The Complexity Of Treating Brain Tumours

World Cancer Day is on 4 February, which aims to highlight the progress that has been made in treating cancer, and the numerous challenges that cancer patients still face. One of the most challenging types of cancer to treat is brain cancer, yet this remains an underresearched and underfunded area of medical science.

At Amethyst Radiotherapy, we provide one of the most effective and advanced treatments for both benign and cancerous brain tumours: Gamma Knife surgery. This isn’t surgery in the traditional sense, because it does not involve making physical incisions into the head. It’s a specialised form of stereotactic radiotherapy.

Here’s a closer look at the aims of World Cancer Day and the specific challenges faced by brain tumour patients, the main approaches to treatment, and who could benefit from Gamma Knife surgery.

A personalised approach to care

The theme for 2025’s World Cancer Day is “United by Unique”, and the aim is to shift the focus to treating the person as well as the disease. Everyone’s experience of cancer is different, and this can be particularly true when it involves a cancer of such a complex organ as the brain.

The importance of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis is essential for the best treatment outcomes, yet the symptoms of a brain tumour can affect everyone in unique ways. Furthermore, some types of brain tumour are relatively rare, and the symptoms can be similar to other health conditions.

This means that there can be a general lack of awareness of the warning signs, or they can be misdiagnosed, delaying the beginning of potentially life-saving treatment.

What are the most common symptoms of a brain tumour?

As previously mentioned, brain tumour symptoms are diverse. Different areas of the brain control every essential function in the body, and the symptoms can depend on the size, type, and location of the tumour. According to the Brain Tumour Charity, about half of all brain tumour patients present to their GP with the primary symptom of headaches.

It’s important to note that in most cases, a headache is not a sign of a brain tumour. However, a headache that is worse in the morning; does not respond to painkillers; gets worse over time; or is more intense during vigorous movements such as coughing, bending or shouting may be a sign of a tumour.

If the headaches are accompanied by other new symptoms, this may also require investigation. For example, nausea and vomiting; muscle weakness or numbness; seizures; dizziness; changes in vision; personality changes; memory problems or other cognitive difficulties.

How are brain tumours treated?

As with the symptoms, the treatment of a brain tumour depends on the size, type, and location of the tumour, as well as factors individual to the patient, such as their age, general state of health, and personal wishes. The main treatments are surgery; radiotherapy; chemotherapy; and steroids.

Who is most suitable for radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy involves using precisely targeted beams of radiation to kill the tumour cells, while causing no or minimal damage to the surrounding healthy brain tissue. It can be used when conventional surgery is considered too risky; to destroy any tumour cells that remain after surgery; or to slow down the progression of a tumour or prevent it returning.

What is Gamma Knife Surgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery, which involves directing multiple gamma radiation beams from different angles at the tumour site. This means that the tumour cells receive a much higher dose of radiation than via standard radiotherapy, and usually the patient only requires one treatment session.

The medical team will use highly advanced imaging technology, including MRI or CT scans of the brain, to precisely locate the size and position of the tumour. This enables them to calculate the intensity and angle of the gamma rays to within a fraction of a millimetre, ensuring that the surrounding cells remain untouched.

Gamma Knife surgery is most often used to treat smaller tumours with a defined edge, such as acoustic neuromas, meningiomas and pituitary adenomas, and functional disorders like trigeminal neuralgia.

However, as we have seen, all brain tumour cases are unique, and ultimately the treatment pathway will depend on multiple factors.

Gamma Knife surgery is less invasive and will usually have fewer side effects than other forms of radiotherapy or surgery. It’s considered to be an effective form of treatment when used for certain types of brain tumour, and usually the patient experiences minimal discomfort and can return to their normal activities within a day or two.

The wider picture of cancer treatments

Of course, even the most cutting-edge treatments can’t take away all of the distress and disruption that a brain tumour or other cancer causes for the patient and their loved ones.

There are many challenges to face, such as the impact on careers and finances; changes in personality; fatigue that makes completing usual activities impossible; extra caring or financial responsibilities placed on partners or family members; and much more.

The World Cancer Day website explains that by taking a people-centred approach to care, patients can have more autonomy over the whole process. It can widen their access to treatments, close disparities and remove barriers, and give them the opportunity to make well-informed decisions about how, when and where they are treated.

This can lead to a higher quality of care and better outcomes for the patient, both during the treatment process and the recovery phase.

Furthermore, a humanised approach to the healthcare system takes into account the patient’s emotional as well as physical wellbeing. It increases the level of trust and improves communication between the medical team, the patient, and their family and friends.

This means that the patient is treated within the broader context of their social, cultural and spiritual life. Ultimately it helps healthcare systems to become more inclusive and closely integrated with the needs of the community that they serve.

This is not to put all the onus on the patient to drive change, as it needs to be supported by governments and organisations with new policies, funding, resources, training and education. However, by acknowledging and sharing your own story, it can contribute to the bigger aim of equitable and first-class cancer treatment for all.

The Role Of Diet And Nutrition In Managing A Brain Tumour

Managing a brain tumour is a challenge, even if you are under the supervision of an expert medical team. If you have been diagnosed with a high-grade cancerous tumour, then you will be undergoing a highly specialised treatment plan that might include neurosurgery, anti-cancer therapies, or a form of stereotactic radiotherapy such as Gamma Knife surgery.

You can optimise your medical treatment by eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet. While there’s no specific diet that can directly treat a brain tumour, healthy eating choices will help your body to withstand and recover from the treatment process better. It will also help to protect you from developing further health problems such as heart disease or diabetes.

Here’s a look at how good nutrition can support you during your brain cancer treatment and recovery process.

Why is it important for brain tumour patients to eat well?

The brain requires a lot of energy to function optimally, and a brain tumour can significantly impair this process. The most common treatments for brain tumours, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiosurgery, place further stress on the body, and can also make eating and drinking more difficult for some people.

A healthy diet can help to support the immune system, reducing the risk of infections post-surgery. It will also boost your energy levels, which will help to combat fatigue, a common side effect of brain tumour treatment or the cancer itself. Good nutrition will also enable your body to heal and repair, and recover from the side effects of treatment.

Staying well hydrated is also important to allow the body to process medications more effectively and guard against the risk of bladder infections and constipation.

What type of foods are recommended for brain tumour patients?

Eating a varied and well-balanced diet is more important than consuming specific foods. A dietician or your care team can provide you with tailored advice, because the side effects of a brain tumour and the treatments can affect people in different ways.

If you want to follow a specific diet or take supplements, you should consult your care team first, because you may be consuming high doses of vitamins and minerals that could interfere with your treatment.

The principles of a balanced diet

A balanced diet should include at least five portions of fruits and vegetables per day; lean proteins; wholegrain fibre; and smaller portions of dairy products and unsaturated fats. Some research suggests that eating a diet that is high in plant-based foods and low in animal fats may protect against the risk of cancer.

This includes limiting the consumption of red meat and increasing the intake of poultry, fish, beans and pulses. Sugar is not thought to directly contribute to cancer risk, but it can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of other health complications such as obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure that can affect brain cancer treatment outcomes.

Common diet challenges of brain tumour patients

Brain cancer and the treatment and side effects can disrupt your usual eating patterns, making it more difficult to follow a balanced diet. The Brain Tumour Charity provides some useful detailed information about eating well with a brain tumour. Here are the main points.

Nausea and vomiting

The tumour itself, or the side effects of medication, can cause brain tumour patients to feel nauseous or to vomit. If you are facing this problem, talk to your care team as they may be able to prescribe an anti-sickness medication. Some people find that peppermint, lemon or ginger can help to ease feelings of nausea.

Other useful strategies include eating smaller and more frequent meals rather than three bigger meals per day; avoiding rich fatty foods; eating plain foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers, breakfast cereals, and yoghurt; and frequently sipping water or carbonated drinks in between meals to stay hydrated.

Loss of appetite

Undereating can lead to malnourishment that could impact your recovery and treatment, so if you have a reduced appetite it’s important to ensure you are consuming enough calories, vitamins and minerals. Staying active, setting reminders to eat, and eating your biggest meal of the day when your appetite is strongest can help you to stay well nourished.

If you feel low in energy, avoid consuming sugary products as these will only have a short term effect. Try eating smaller snacks with complex carbs, or asking for help with shopping and prepping meals if you are too fatigued to cook a full meal.

Increased appetite

Certain medications may over-stimulate the appetite, particularly steroids. Some patients may also overeat for emotional reasons; for example, in an attempt to combat feelings of anxiety, depression, or boredom. This can lead to weight gain that could affect the outcome of the treatment and increase the likelihood of the cancer recurring.

To help manage overeating, try eating low-fat foods that are high in protein and fibre, such as lentils, beans, whole grains, fish and eggs. These will help you to feel fuller for longer. Gentle exercise can help you to manage weight and also boost your mood and distract you from comfort eating.

A balanced approach is key

A healthy diet is important to help you manage symptoms, maintain energy levels, and support recovery from a brain tumour and the treatment. If you are struggling with any aspect of your nutrition, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Balanced eating should include foods that you enjoy, and consuming moderate amounts from all of the major food groups (carbs; protein; dairy; fruits and vegetables; and fats and sugars). You may find advice about specific diets such as the ketogenic diet that can help to treat brain cancer.

However, there is limited evidence for this, and the best approach is to eat a well balanced diet, and consult a medical professional before making any changes.

If you would like more detailed information about brain tumour treatment, please contact Prof. Andrew McAvoy of Amethyst Radiotherapy.

Amethyst Radiotherapy Uk Achieves Remarkable Four Year 84% Patient Growth

Amethyst Radiotherapy UK is proud to announce an impressive 84% growth in the number of patients annually treated in 2024, compared to 2020 when Amethyst Healthcare acquired the network. This development includes a 70.1% increase in NHS patients, underscoring Amethyst’s commitment to work in partnership with the health service in order to deliver the highest quality of cancer care, driving down waiting times and improving patient outcomes.

Amethyst UK operates two stereotactic ‘centres of excellence’, in London and Sheffield. Both dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art Gamma Knife treatment. Gamma Knife is not a knife in the normal sense of the word. No incisions are made in the patient’s head. Instead, very precisely focused beams of radiation are directed to the treatment area in the brain, optimised to hit only the target while preserving healthy tissue.

It offers a safe and effective treatment for more than 80,000 patients worldwide every year. The treatment procedure is simple and straightforward.

Sophie Ward, Group Chief Marketing Officer, commented:

“We are thrilled to see such robust growth in the number of patients we’ve been able to treat over the past four years. This is a testament to the work of the entire Amethyst team, which has enabled such a huge number of patients to benefit from our world-leading services.

With the NHS under such intense pressure, we stand ready to provide further support if necessary in order to drive down waiting times and provide for patients.

To deliver this growth throughout such a challenging period including the COVID pandemic, speaks volumes about what Amethyst is capable of providing. We look forward to building on this success, benefiting both NHS and private patients.”

Looking ahead, Amethyst Radiotherapy UK plans to expand its capabilities and enhance its service offerings to meet the growing demand for cancer care. The company’s vision includes partnerships with NHS trusts and private healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment.

About Amethyst Radiotherapy UK Amethyst Radiotherapy is a leading provider of advanced radiotherapy services, dedicated to delivering world-class cancer care. With a focus on innovative treatment solutions and compassionate care, Amethyst strives to improve the quality of life for patients across the UK and beyond.

Amethyst Healthcare is a leading European provider of cancer care, specialising in radiation therapy and non-invasive outpatient treatments for a wide range of tumour types.

Mr Radatz Chairs Expert Discussion On Metastases At BRSS

We are delighted that members of our medical team have presented at the 9th Annual Meeting of the British Radiosurgery Society (BRSS), which took place in Birmingham on January 23-24. Amethyst Radiotherapy also provided sponsorship for the event.

On Friday 24 January, Mr Matthias Radatz chaired a panel discussion titled: “What’s the Limit to the Number of Metastases That We Can Treat?”

Amethyst Radiotherapy is one of the very few healthcare providers in the UK that specialises in the use of Gamma Knife technology to treat certain types of neurological disorders and brain tumours, working alongside NHS Trusts and with private patients.

Where brain metastases are concerned, one of the biggest challenges is how treatment can be delivered effectively across the blood-brain barrier, as well as the number and size of metastases, the potential for radiation-related cognitive impairment, the individual’s general health and how aggressive the primary cancer is.

Current treatment options for brain tumours include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy and Gamma Knife surgery, which is what Amethyst Radiotherapy specialises in.

What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery. It is not the type of surgery that involves making incisions with a knife, but is a form of radiation therapy delivered from an external machine. It makes use of highly focused beams of gamma radiation that are directed from multiple angles to safely deliver a high dose of radiation to the affected area.

It is mainly used to treat malignant and benign brain tumours, trigeminal neuralgia, and acoustic neuromas.

How is Gamma Knife surgery delivered?

The patient is fitted with a head frame to ensure that the treatment area is still during the radiation delivery. The exact location and size of the tumour (or other disorder) is accurately pinpointed with a CT or MRI scan, and the medical team uses this information to calculate the radiation beam positioning and dose.

What are the advantages of the procedure?

In most cases, the treatment is delivered in a single session, which causes minimal discomfort and has a low risk of side effects. The patient will usually be able to resume normal activities within a day or two. The treatment is regarded as effective, and avoids the need for much riskier traditional neurosurgery.

Amethyst Radiotherapy: Proud To Be An Elekta Reference Site

The Queen Square Radiosurgery Centre in London, as a centre of excellence, became a part of the Amethyst Group in 2020, and in 2024 we were proud to become an official Elekta reference site.

Elekta provides leading edge radiation therapy systems, including Gamma Knife equipment, to treat complex brain cancers in an effective and non-invasive manner.

The official recognition by Elekta consolidates our reputation as one of the most highly regarded centres in the world for the treatment of brain tumours and certain other neurological conditions.

Our medical team specialise in the use of Gamma Knife surgery, a type of stereotactic radiosurgery. We welcome the global radiation oncology community to visit and observe our use of Gamma Knife in clinical practice.

Here’s an overview of the treatment process.

Outpatient appointment

The process begins with an outpatient appointment, following a referral by a clinician. If you are confirmed as a suitable candidate for Gamma Knife treatment, you will be invited to meet with a consultant and members of the radiography team. Family and friends are welcome to come along to the appointment, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.

Treatment day

On the day of your treatment, you’ll be asked to come to the centre early in the morning, so you may wish to arrange overnight accommodation if you don’t live within convenient travelling distance. You will meet with your medical team, who will explain the schedule for the day.

Frame fitting

The next step is to have a head frame fitted, which will prevent your head from moving during the scans and radiation delivery process. The lightweight frame is secured with four pins, and a local anaesthetic will be used to avoid discomfort at the sites where the pins will be secured. You may be given the option to wear a lightweight mask as an alternative.

Image mapping

The next stage involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (or sometimes a CT scan) of your head. The images from the scan allow the medical team to precisely determine the exact size, location, and shape of the tumour or other source of disorder in your brain. The process usually takes around 30 minutes.

You will then have some waiting time while your care team uses the images to draw up a bespoke treatment plan.

The treatment process

Once the consultant has approved your treatment plan, you’ll be ready to start the radiosurgery. During the process, you will lie down wearing the headframe, with your head placed in a ring shaped machine. The medical team will not be present in the delivery room, but you will be able to communicate with them through audio or visual technology.

The length of the treatment will vary depending on the size and type of the tumour or other disorder.

Post-treament

After the treatment, you’ll be invited to rest for an hour or so. The medical team will review your treatment, and in the majority of cases, you will be fit and well enough to return home.

BRSS Discussion: The Treatment Of Large Brain Metastases

Amethyst Radiotherapy are proud to have sponsored the 9th Annual Meeting of the British Radiosurgery Society (BRSS), which took place in Birmingham on 23-24 January. Several members of our medical team took part in panel discussions, giving talks and chairing sessions.

On Thursday 23 January, Mr Kitchen joined the afternoon panel session, focusing on the treatment of large metastases.

Here’s a brief overview of brain metastases treatment.

What are brain metastases?

When cancer cells spread from another part of the body to the brain, and a tumour or mass develops as a result, it’s referred to as brain metastases (or secondary brain cancer). Any type of cancer can spread to the brain, but it most often occurs with primary cancers of the lung, breast, bowel or kidney, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.

How are brain metastases treated?

It is possible to treat, but not cure, secondary brain cancer. The type of treatment will be tailored to the size, location, and number of brain tumours. Other considerations include the type and size of the primary cancer, and if it has spread to any other parts of the body. The age and general health of the patient may also be taken into consideration.

The most common treatment options include the following:

Surgery

Surgery may be used to remove a single large secondary brain tumour if the patient is a suitable candidate. If it is not possible to remove the whole tumour, or there are other smaller tumours present, another type of treatment may be required. Surgery is most often carried out to relieve pressure that is building up inside the skull.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy involves using radiation to destroy the cancer cells. The type of radiotherapy used to treat brain metastases will depend on the size, position, and number of tumours present. Whole brain radiotherapy may be used if there are multiple large tumours that might be putting other areas of the brain at risk.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

In cases of secondary brain cancer involving smaller tumours, or one single tumour, the patient may be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (sometimes also known as Gamma Knife surgery). Despite the name, this is not surgery in the traditional sense that involves making incisions into the brain.

It is carried out by targeting a precisely focused, high dose of radiation on the tumour cells only. Due to the high doses of radiation involved, it usually only requires one session of treatment. The highly accurate targeting also reduces the impact on the surrounding healthy brain tissue, minimising the risk of side effects.

Chemotherapy and targeted drug treatments

In some cases, it may be appropriate to treat the patient with anti-cancer drugs such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Immunotherapy is increasingly used as a brain tumour treatment, which causes the immune system to attack the cancer cells.

Combination therapies for cancer treatment are an emerging field, so some treatments may be carried out as part of clinical trials.

BRSS Talk Will Explore AI And The Treatment Of Brain Tumours

Representatives from our medical team at Amethyst Radiotherapy have made valuable contributions to talks and discussions at the annual meeting of the British Radiosurgery Society (BRSS), which took place in Birmingham on 23-24 January.

We were also proud to be sponsoring this highly regarded conference, where the most cutting-edge advancements in the field of brain cancer research and treatment will be discussed. On 23 January, Mr Patrick Grover delivered a presentation on a research project: “Enhancing the treatment pathway for benign intracranial tumours through AI.”

Here’s an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) might be used in the future to assist with the treatment of large-size metastases.

Faster and more accurate diagnosis

There are already various AI tools in use to assist with advanced image analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which are the most commonly used type of scan for the diagnosis of large-size metastases. This allows for much greater accuracy than would be possible through human labour alone.

AI technology has the potential to identify different types of tumour with more precision, and is capable of distinguishing subtle changes that may be missed by the human eye. This means that tumours can be detected at an earlier stage, enabling the most appropriate treatments to be started before the tumour grows larger or spreads.

Bespoke treatment pathways

The greater accuracy of AI diagnostic tools means that more effective personalised treatment plans can be put in place. Furthermore, AI techniques could potentially be used to create individual treatment plans based on the genetic characteristics of the patient.

Surgical assistance

AI powered tools are already in use to assist surgeons in several ways. One of the most commonly used methods includes intraoperative guidance, where smart assistants monitor the surgical process, and alert the surgeon to any unforeseen changes.

This reduces the risk of inaccuracies or complications arising during delicate neurosurgery procedures, where the edges of large-size metastases are not always clearly defined.

More accurate radiotherapy and radiosurgery outcomes

For radiosurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife surgery, AI tools may be used to map out the tumour locations and boundaries with much more detail and precision.

This enables the tumour cells to be targeted with the light rays with an even greater degree of accuracy, ensuring the maximising amount of radiation is focused on malignant cells, and minimising the risk of damage to the surrounding healthy cells.

Advanced prognostics

AI tools can be involved in patient prognostics, including the monitoring of treatment plans, and the use of patient data to predict the likelihood that the tumour may recur, or in more advanced cases, give the predicted lifespan of the patient.

This enables the medical team to put the most appropriate treatment plan in place, and also allows the patient and their families to prepare themselves better for likely future outcomes.

How Can Agitation In TACs Headaches Disorders Be Managed?

Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are a group of headache disorders that cause acute pain on one side of the head, in the trigeminal nerve area, often radiating from behind the eye. Although these headaches are not considered to be life threatening, they can be seriously disruptive and impact on quality of life, often causing distress and agitation.

Here is a look at some of the coping strategies that may help people who suffer from these rare but debilitating disorders.

What are trigeminal autonomic cephalgias?

The main subtypes of TACs include cluster headaches, Paroxysmal Hemicrania, Hemicrania Continua, and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Conjunctival Injection and Tearing (SUNCT).

They are considered to be rare, although the condition can be difficult to diagnose because there are different forms of TACs, and the symptoms may be confused with other types of headache disorder such as migraine.

One of the common symptoms of TACs, besides pain that is often excruciating, is agitation. This can make what is already a very unpleasant experience even more distressing and difficult to manage. Here’s a look at some strategies that may help people with this condition to find relief.

Understanding the link between TACs headaches and agitation

The link between headaches and agitation is not fully understood, but it may be simply a stress response triggered by the body as a coping mechanism. This can lead to restlessness, irritability and feelings of unease, causing the patient to pace about and be unable to sit or lie down.

The extreme pain that characterises TACs, particularly cluster headaches, may disrupt the body’s nervous system and cause heightened sensitivity that leads to agitation and restlessness.

People who suffer from cluster headaches, which occur in cycles and can have remittance periods of months or years, may also suffer from anxiety, which can lead to agitation and an inability to rest.

Coping mechanisms for headache with agitation

If you suspect that you have a TACs headache disorder, it’s essential to accurately describe your symptoms to a doctor to give yourself the best chance of correct diagnosis and treatment. Patients may also need to develop their individual coping mechanisms to help them manage symptoms such as agitation.

Pain relief

Some subtypes of TACs, particularly cluster headaches, are characterized by excruciating pain that may be brief, but can continue for up to three hours. Conventional painkillers such as ibuprofen will be ineffective, so it;s important to use prescribed analgesics. For cluster headaches, this is often sumatriptan injections.

Patients who do not respond to analgesics may be prescribed high doses of oxygen, which is delivered via a face mask that is worn for 15 to 20 minutes.

Alternative remedies

Non-medication treatments are unlikely to fully relieve the symptoms of severe headaches, but they can help to ease pain and also help the patient manage agitation, making the condition less overwhelming. The application of a hot or cold compress to the source of the pain may provide some degree of relief.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing may help to release tension and ease mental distress and agitation. This could include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. A calming environment will also be beneficial, free from loud or repetitive sounds, hectic activity and bright lights.

If this is not possible, try using noise cancelling headphones and eye masks to reduce the level of environmental stimulation. Mental techniques such as mindfulness may be helpful to distract the mind from the pain and focus on another stimulus.

Prevention techniques

Often, people who experience TACs will notice certain triggers, so part of the coping strategy should include managing triggers to reduce the frequency of attacks. Keep a journal to record details such as what you were eating, drinking, or doing when your attacks commence.

Common triggers include alcohol, cigarette smoking, climbing to higher altitudes, bright lights, physical exertion, heat, recreational drugs, and foods that contain nitrates such as processed meats.

Seek professional help

TACs disorders and trigeminal neuralgia have shared involvement with the trigeminal nerve and, as such, both can be distressing and difficult to cope with. Some patients may require professional support to help them manage the symptoms.

If you would like more information about the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia related conditions, please contact Mr. Matthias Radatz of Amethyst Radiotherapy.