Stereotactic Radiosurgery

What this procedure is

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a precise form of radiation therapy. Despite the name, it is not a traditional surgery because it does not involve any cutting or incisions. Instead, it uses many small, highly focused beams of radiation to treat a specific area in the brain or other parts of the body.

The word "stereotactic" means using 3D imaging to find the exact location of a target. By using these 3D maps, your clinical team can deliver a high dose of radiation directly to a tumor or abnormality while protecting the healthy tissue nearby. Because the radiation is so targeted, it works much like a surgeon’s scalpel, which is why it is sometimes called "radiosurgery."

This procedure is often done in a single session, though your clinician may sometimes spread the treatment over a few days. It is designed to be a non-invasive alternative for areas that might be difficult or risky to reach with standard surgery.

What it treats or fixes

Stereotactic radiosurgery is most often used to treat conditions in the brain or spine. It is a common choice for both non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors. It can help stop a tumor from growing or cause it to shrink over time.

Your clinician may recommend this procedure for several conditions, including:

• Brain tumors: This includes tumors that started in the brain or those that have spread from other parts of the body.
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): These are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can disrupt blood flow.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting a nerve in the face.
• Acoustic neuromas: Non-cancerous tumors that develop on the nerves responsible for hearing and balance.
• Pituitary tumors: Growths on the gland at the base of the brain that controls many hormones.

How common it is & where it's done

This procedure is a well-established treatment used in many specialized medical centers and hospitals across North America. It is often performed in a hospital's radiation oncology department or a dedicated cancer center. Because it does not require traditional surgery, most patients can go home the same day the treatment is finished.

The procedure is performed using specialized machines. You may hear your care team mention names like the Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, or a Linear Accelerator (LINAC). Each of these tools uses advanced computer software to guide the radiation beams with extreme accuracy.

Because it is a non-invasive option, it has become a standard tool for treating conditions that were once considered very difficult to manage. Your medical team, which usually includes radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons, will work together to decide if this is the right approach for your specific needs.

Recovery: What to Expect

Most people can go home the same day after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). You may feel tired for a day or two, but many patients are able to return to their normal daily activities and diet very quickly. If a head frame was used during the procedure to keep your head still, you might have minor soreness or small pin marks where it was attached. Your clinician may suggest keeping these areas clean and dry until they heal.

It is helpful to have a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you for the first night. While recovery is usually smooth, you should contact your care team if you experience any of the following:

• A headache that gets worse or does not go away with mild pain medicine.
• New or unusual nausea or vomiting.
• New weakness, numbness, or changes in your vision.

Risks & Possible Complications

Side effects from SRS are often mild and temporary. Because this treatment uses focused radiation rather than a surgical knife, there is no large incision and a lower risk of infection or bleeding compared to traditional surgery. The most common side effect is fatigue, which is a feeling of being very tired that usually fades within a few weeks.

Other possible complications depend on the area being treated. These may include:

• Brain swelling: Also called edema, this is a common reaction to radiation. Your clinician may prescribe steroid medicine to prevent or treat this.
• Scalp irritation: You might notice redness or sensitivity in the area where the radiation was focused, similar to a mild sunburn.
• Late tissue changes: In some cases, the treated area may undergo changes months or years later. Your doctor will monitor you with regular check-ups to watch for these signs.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

Stereotactic radiosurgery does not usually make a tumor or growth disappear immediately. Instead, the treatment works by damaging the DNA of the targeted cells so they can no longer grow or divide. This process happens slowly over several weeks, months, or even years, depending on the condition being treated.

Success is often defined as the growth shrinking or simply staying the same size so it no longer causes problems. Your clinician will schedule follow-up imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, to monitor the results over time. These scans help the medical team ensure the treatment is working as expected.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is completely normal to feel anxious before any medical procedure. SRS is a highly precise and advanced technology designed to protect the healthy tissue surrounding the target area. Because it is non-invasive (meaning it does not involve cutting the skin), many patients find it less stressful than traditional surgery.

Your care team is there to support you. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the equipment, the steps of the procedure, or what you will feel. Many people also find comfort in talking to a counselor or joining a support group to connect with others who have had similar treatments. Taking an active role in your care can help you feel more confident and calm throughout the process.

Why doctors recommend it

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a specialized form of radiation therapy. Despite the name, it does not involve a knife or an incision. Doctors often recommend this approach because it can treat small tumors or abnormalities deep within the brain or other areas that might be difficult to reach with traditional surgery.

Your clinician may suggest SRS if you have a health condition that makes regular surgery risky. It is a common choice for patients who cannot undergo general anesthesia or for those who have a tumor located near vital structures. It is often used for:

• Brain tumors: Both non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) growths.
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): Tangles of blood vessels that can disrupt normal blood flow and cause bleeding.
• Nerve conditions: Such as trigeminal neuralgia, which causes chronic facial pain.
• Acoustic neuromas: Non-cancerous tumors that affect hearing and balance nerves.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In most cases, stereotactic radiosurgery is a planned procedure. Because it requires extreme precision, your medical team needs time to create a "map" of your body using detailed imaging like MRI or CT scans. This planning ensures the radiation hits the target exactly while protecting the healthy tissue nearby.

While it is rarely an emergency "same-day" procedure, your doctor may move more quickly if a tumor is growing fast or causing symptoms that affect your daily life, such as vision changes or balance issues. Most patients receive their treatment in a single session, though some may have it spread out over a few days. This is often called fractionated treatment.

Goals of treatment

The main goal of this treatment is to control the growth of a tumor or abnormality. Unlike traditional surgery, the target does not disappear immediately. Instead, the high-dose radiation damages the DNA of the targeted cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing.

Success in stereotactic radiosurgery can look different depending on your condition:

• Tumors: The goal is often to shrink the tumor or keep it from getting any larger.
• Blood vessel issues: For AVMs, the radiation causes the abnormal vessels to thicken and eventually close off over several months or years.
• Pain management: For nerve conditions, the goal is to disrupt the pain signals being sent to the brain to provide relief.

Your clinician will use follow-up scans to monitor the area and check how well the treatment is working over time. Success is usually defined as the target remaining stable or getting smaller without causing new symptoms.

Who may benefit

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is often used for people with small tumors or other growths in the brain or spine. It is not actually surgery with a blade. Instead, it uses many precise beams of radiation to treat a specific area while protecting the healthy tissue nearby. Your clinician may suggest this if a tumor is hard to reach with traditional surgery or if you have health conditions that make regular surgery risky.

Common conditions treated with SRS include:

• Brain tumors: This includes both non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) growths.
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVM): These are tangles of blood vessels that can disrupt normal blood flow.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting a nerve in the face.
• Acoustic neuroma: A non-cancerous tumor on the nerve used for hearing and balance.
• Pituitary tumors: Growths on the gland at the base of the brain that controls hormones.

When it may not be the right option

While SRS is a powerful tool, it is not the best choice for every situation. Your care team may decide against it if a tumor is very large. Generally, if a growth is bigger than about three or four centimeters, other treatments like traditional surgery or standard radiation might be safer or more effective.

SRS also takes time to work. It does not remove the tumor instantly; instead, it causes the growth to shrink or stop growing over weeks or months. If a tumor is pressing on a vital area and needs to be removed immediately to relieve pressure, your clinician may recommend traditional surgery instead. Additionally, this treatment may not be suitable for those who are pregnant due to the risks of radiation.

Questions to ask your care team

Choosing a treatment is a big decision. It is helpful to bring a list of questions to your appointment so you can feel confident in your care plan. You might consider asking:

• Why is stereotactic radiosurgery recommended for me instead of traditional surgery?
• How many treatment sessions will I need?
• What are the specific goals for my treatment (such as shrinking a tumor or stopping its growth)?
• What side effects should I watch for after the procedure?
• How soon will we know if the treatment is working?
• Are there any activities I should avoid after the procedure?

In the procedure room

When you enter the treatment room, you will see a large machine designed to deliver precise radiation. You will lie down on a comfortable treatment table. Depending on the type of equipment used, your head or body may be held in a specific position using a custom-fit plastic mask or a lightweight head frame. These devices are used to ensure you stay perfectly still so the radiation reaches the exact target while protecting the healthy tissue around it.

The room is equipped with cameras and an intercom system. This allows your care team to see and hear you throughout the entire process. The treatment table may move during the session to position you correctly for different radiation angles.

High-level steps

The process usually begins with imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, to create a detailed 3-D map of the area being treated. Your clinical team uses this map to plan the exact paths for the radiation beams. Once the plan is ready, you are positioned on the treatment table and secured with your mask or frame.

During the treatment, the machine directs many small, individual beams of radiation toward the target. While a single beam has little effect on the tissue it passes through, the point where all the beams meet receives a high dose of radiation. This allows the clinician to treat the target area with great precision.

Anesthesia and pain control

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure, meaning there are no surgical cuts. Because of this, most people do not need general anesthesia and remain awake during the session. If your treatment requires a head frame, your clinician will use a local anesthetic to numb the areas where the frame is attached. You may feel some temporary pressure or a stinging sensation during the numbing process.

The radiation beams themselves are painless; you will not feel, see, or smell the radiation as it enters your body. If you feel anxious or have trouble staying still, your clinician may provide a mild sedative to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Monitoring and safety steps

Safety is a top priority during the procedure. Although your care team stays in a nearby room to avoid radiation exposure, they monitor you constantly through video screens. You can speak to them at any time through the intercom if you need anything or have a question.

Many modern machines also use real-time imaging to track your position. If you move slightly, the machine can automatically adjust the beams or pause the treatment to ensure the radiation stays focused only on the intended target. This constant monitoring helps ensure the procedure is as safe and accurate as possible.

Immediately after the procedure

Once the treatment is finished, the mask or head frame is removed. If a frame was used, the clinician will clean the small points where it was attached and may apply small bandages. You might feel a slight headache or some minor soreness or tightness in those areas, which is normal. Some patients also report feeling a bit tired after the session.

Most patients are monitored for a short period of time after the procedure to ensure they are feeling well. In most cases, you will be able to go home the same day and return to your usual activities and diet within a day or two.

Typical procedure length

The actual delivery of the radiation beams often takes between 30 minutes and an hour. However, the entire appointment usually takes longer because of the time needed for preparation. This includes setting up the equipment, performing imaging scans, and ensuring you are positioned correctly.

Depending on the specific technology used and the complexity of the treatment plan, you should expect to be at the medical center for several hours. Your clinician will give you a more specific estimate of how long your particular session will last.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is distinct from traditional open surgery because it is not invasive. In open surgery, a doctor makes an incision (cut) to open the skull and physically remove a tumor or repair a blood vessel. In contrast, SRS uses focused radiation beams to treat the area without any incisions. Because there is no cutting, patients usually recover faster and face fewer risks of infection compared to open surgery.

To deliver the radiation precisely, your care team must keep your head completely still. There are two main ways doctors achieve this:

• Frame-based: A lightweight metal head frame is attached to the skull using four small pins or screws. This is often used with Gamma Knife machines and provides total immobility. Numbing medication is used where the pins touch the skin.
• Frameless (Mask-based): A custom-made plastic mesh mask is molded to fit your face. This mask holds your head in place on the treatment table. This approach is often used with Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machines and is non-invasive.

Partial vs total

The terms "partial" and "total" can refer to how much of the brain is treated or how the treatment is delivered. Unlike Whole Brain Radiation Therapy, which treats the entire brain, SRS is a "focal" therapy. This means it targets only the specific tumor or abnormality, sparing the surrounding healthy brain tissue. This approach is chosen when doctors want to treat a defined spot without exposing the total brain to radiation.

Additionally, doctors may use SRS to complete a treatment started by surgery. For example, if a surgeon could only remove part of a tumor safely (partial removal), SRS may be used afterward to treat the remaining cells. In other cases, SRS is the "total" treatment, intended to destroy or shrink the tumor completely on its own without prior surgery. However, this is not always applicable; very large tumors may require open surgery first to relieve pressure.

Revision or repeat procedures

One advantage of stereotactic radiosurgery is that it can sometimes be repeated. If a tumor grows back after the first treatment, or if a new tumor appears in a different area, your clinician may suggest a revision or repeat procedure. Because SRS is focused, it leaves more of the surrounding healthy tissue untouched compared to whole-brain radiation, which may make future treatments possible.

However, repeat procedures are not always an option. The decision depends on how much radiation your brain has already received and the location of the new growth. Your care team will calculate the total dose of radiation from all past procedures to ensure it remains within safe limits for your nerves and brain tissue.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before the procedure, your care team needs a precise map of the area they will treat. This planning phase is very important to ensure the radiation targets only the specific area and protects healthy tissue nearby.

• MRI or CT scans: These imaging tests create detailed pictures of your brain or body. They help your doctor determine the exact size and location of the tumor or abnormality.
• Angiogram: If you are being treated for a tangle of blood vessels (arteriovenous malformation), your doctor may use a special dye to see the blood flow more clearly.
• Blood or urine tests: These may be done to check your general health or to check for pregnancy before starting treatment.

Medication adjustments

It is important to give your healthcare provider a full list of the medicines you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and herbal supplements. You should also tell them if you have any medical devices inside your body, such as a pacemaker, aneurysm clip, or stent.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to take. Common topics to discuss include:

• Blood thinners: You may be asked to stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications several days before the procedure. Only stop these if your clinician instructs you to do so.
• Diabetes medications: If you take insulin or pills for diabetes, ask your doctor how to adjust your dose, especially if you are asked not to eat before the treatment.
• Allergies: Tell your care team if you are allergic to contrast dye, iodine, or shellfish, as these are sometimes used during imaging.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your care team will provide a specific timeline for your arrival. Because you may be given medicine to help you relax, you should plan to have a family member or friend drive you home after the procedure.

The night before:

• Fasting: You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
• Hair care: If you are having head treatment, wash your hair. Do not use hairspray, gels, or creams, as these can interfere with the mask or frame used to hold your head still.

The day of the procedure:

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• Items to leave at home: Do not wear jewelry, makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses. If you wear dentures or glasses, you may need to remove them before the treatment begins.

General surgical risks

Because stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive procedure that does not use incisions (cuts), it avoids many of the risks associated with traditional open surgery, such as heavy bleeding or infection. However, there are still general risks associated with the treatment process.

Fatigue is one of the most common general side effects. Many patients feel very tired or run-down for a few weeks following the procedure. If a lightweight metal head frame was used to hold your head still, you may experience temporary soreness, bleeding, or numbness at the spots where the pins touched your scalp. If anesthesia was used (which is more common for children than adults), there are standard risks associated with being put to sleep, such as reaction to the medication.

Procedure-specific complications

Side effects often depend on the specific area being treated and the amount of radiation delivered. Most complications are temporary and improve as the body heals.

• Swelling (Edema): Radiation can cause the treated tissue to swell. In the brain, this may lead to headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
• Hair and Skin Changes: You may lose a small patch of hair where the radiation beams entered the skull. This is usually temporary, and the hair typically grows back. The scalp may also become red, dry, or irritated, similar to a sunburn.
• Nerve Symptoms: Depending on the treatment location, swelling can press on nearby nerves. This might cause temporary numbness, tingling, hearing changes, or vision problems. In rare cases, seizures may occur.
• Long-term Effects: While rare, some patients may experience tissue damage (necrosis) or, very rarely, a new cancer caused by the radiation years later.

How complications are treated

Your clinical team will monitor you closely after the procedure to manage any side effects quickly. Treatment plans focus on comfort and reducing inflammation.

Medications: If you experience swelling, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids (steroids) to lower inflammation and relieve pressure. Medications can also be given to control nausea, vomiting, or headaches. If you have a history of seizures, anti-seizure medication may be used as a precaution.

Follow-up and Monitoring: You will likely have regular imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, in the months and years following treatment. These scans allow your doctor to check that the tumor is shrinking and to watch for any signs of complications like tissue damage.

Pain control medicines

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure, meaning it does not involve traditional surgery or large cuts. Because of this, most people do not feel pain during the treatment itself. However, if your clinician uses a head frame to keep you still, you might feel some pressure or minor discomfort where the frame is attached.

Your clinician may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help with any mild headaches or soreness afterward. In some cases, a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is used at the site where a frame is placed. Always tell your care team about any allergies to pain medications or if you have a history of sensitivity to certain pills.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. While this procedure does not involve large incisions, your clinician may prescribe a short course of antibiotics or an antibiotic ointment if a head frame is used. This helps keep the small areas where the frame was attached clean and free of germs.

Your care team will tailor this decision based on your specific health needs. It is important to let them know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to antibiotics, such as a rash or itching. They will work to ensure any medicine used is the safest option for you.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming. If you already take these for a heart condition or other health reason, your clinician may ask you to adjust your schedule or stop taking them for a short time before your procedure. This is done to reduce the risk of minor bleeding where a head frame or tracking markers are placed.

Your clinician will provide specific instructions on when to pause and when to restart these medicines. It is vital that you do not make changes to your medication routine on your own. Your care team will also review all your current supplements and prescriptions to check for any interactions that could affect your safety.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare after stereotactic radiosurgery, certain symptoms require immediate attention. You should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

• A seizure: This may involve convulsions (shaking) or a loss of awareness.
• Sudden, severe trouble breathing: This can be a sign of a serious reaction.
• Loss of consciousness: If you pass out or cannot be woken up easily.
• Sudden confusion: Not knowing where you are or being unable to speak clearly.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Contact your healthcare team if you notice new symptoms or if you just do not feel right. Your clinician may want to adjust your medications or check your recovery progress. Call your doctor if you have:

• Signs of infection: This includes a fever (usually over 100.4°F or 38°C), chills, or a stiff neck.
• Pin site issues: If you had a head frame, check the spots where the pins touched your skin. Call if you see redness, swelling, or drainage (pus) at these sites.
• Uncontrolled pain or nausea: A headache or upset stomach that does not get better with the medicine your doctor prescribed.
• Neurological changes: New weakness, numbness, tingling in your arms or legs, or changes in your vision or balance.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It is helpful to know which side effects are a normal part of the healing process and which ones signal a problem. Most people feel tired for a few weeks after treatment.

• Headaches:Expected: Mild headaches are common and usually go away with over-the-counter pain relievers.Concerning: A sudden, severe headache that does not improve with medication, especially if accompanied by vomiting.
• Scalp tenderness:Expected: If a frame was used, the pin sites may feel sore, itchy, or numb while they heal.Concerning: The skin feels hot to the touch, becomes very red, or leaks fluid.
• Fatigue:Expected: Feeling tired or worn out is very common for the first few weeks.Concerning: Extreme drowsiness where you are sleeping all the time and are difficult to wake up.

Non-surgical treatments

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is often chosen because it is a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery. However, your clinician may suggest other non-surgical paths depending on your specific health needs. These can include conventional radiation therapy, which uses smaller doses of radiation delivered over several sessions or weeks rather than a single high dose.

In some cases, medications such as chemotherapy or targeted drug therapies may be used. These treatments travel through the bloodstream to reach cells throughout the body. The goal of these non-surgical options is to stop or slow the growth of a tumor or lesion while avoiding the risks associated with an incision.

Watchful waiting

For some patients, the most appropriate initial step is watchful waiting, also known as active surveillance. This approach is often used for small, slow-growing, or non-cancerous (benign) growths that are not currently causing any symptoms or health problems.

During watchful waiting, your medical team will monitor the area closely using regular imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans. If the scans show that the condition is stable and not growing, you may be able to avoid treatment and its potential side effects for a long time. If the scans show changes or you begin to feel new symptoms, your clinician may then recommend starting a treatment like SRS.

When surgery becomes the best option

While SRS is effective for many conditions, there are times when traditional open surgery is the better choice. This often happens if a tumor is very large or if it is pressing on a sensitive part of the brain or spine. In these cases, physically removing the mass may be necessary to relieve pressure (called mass effect) more quickly than radiation can.

Surgery may also be recommended if your doctors need a physical sample of the tissue, known as a biopsy, to confirm a diagnosis. Your clinician will look at the size, location, and type of the lesion to decide if the precision of SRS or the immediate removal provided by traditional surgery is the safest path for your recovery.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is usually offered at large medical centers, specialized cancer hospitals, or dedicated neuroscience institutes. Because this treatment is highly precise, it requires a team of experts from different departments. You will typically receive care through the Radiation Oncology department or a Neurosurgery center. These areas are equipped with the specialized technology needed to deliver focused radiation without making a surgical incision.

Your care team often includes a neurosurgeon (a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system) and a radiation oncologist (a doctor who uses radiation to treat diseases). They work closely with medical physicists and dosimetrists. These experts ensure the radiation beams are shaped and aimed with extreme accuracy to protect the healthy tissue surrounding the target area.

Patient resources and support services

Many hospitals provide support services to help you and your family navigate the treatment process. You may have access to patient navigators or social workers who can help with scheduling, travel arrangements, and emotional support. Financial counselors are also commonly available to help you understand insurance coverage and the costs of the procedure.

Support groups are another valuable resource. These groups allow you to connect with others who have undergone similar treatments for brain tumors, blood vessel abnormalities, or nerve conditions. Many facilities also offer educational materials, such as videos or booklets, to help you prepare for the day of the procedure and understand what to expect during your recovery at home.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing where to receive treatment is an important decision. Your clinician may recommend a specific facility, but you can also ask questions to ensure the center meets your needs. Consider using this checklist when speaking with a facility:

• How many stereotactic radiosurgery procedures does this team perform each year for my specific condition?
• Which type of technology, such as a Gamma Knife or a linear accelerator (LINAC), does the center use?
• Will both a neurosurgeon and a radiation oncologist be involved in planning my treatment?
• What kind of follow-up care and imaging, such as MRI scans, will I need after the procedure is finished?
• Does the hospital have support staff available to help me with logistics and recovery questions?
• Is the facility accredited by recognized medical organizations for radiation and surgical safety?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a precise form of radiation therapy. It is often used to treat small tumors or abnormalities in the brain and other parts of the body. Because it is so targeted, your clinician may recommend it for areas that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery.

Common conditions treated with this procedure include:

• Brain tumors: This includes both noncancerous (benign) tumors and cancerous (malignant) tumors that started in the brain or spread from other parts of the body.
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVM): These are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can disrupt normal blood flow.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: A chronic condition that causes intense, shock-like pain in the face.
• Acoustic neuroma: A noncancerous tumor that grows on the nerve responsible for balance and hearing.
• Pituitary tumors: Growths on the pituitary gland, which controls many of the body's hormones.

Related symptoms people search for

The symptoms associated with these conditions can vary depending on the size and location of the area being treated. If you experience new or changing symptoms, your clinician may perform an evaluation to determine the cause.

Symptoms that may lead a healthcare provider to consider stereotactic radiosurgery include:

• Persistent headaches: Frequent or severe head pain that does not go away.
• Seizures: Sudden electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause changes in behavior or movement.
• Balance or coordination issues: Feeling dizzy, unsteady, or having trouble walking.
• Sensory changes: This may include blurred vision, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Facial sensations: Numbness, tingling, or sharp pain in the face or jaw area.

Evidence overview

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a well-established medical procedure used to treat specific conditions in the brain and other parts of the body. Despite the name, it is not surgery in the traditional sense because there is no incision (cut) made. Instead, doctors use advanced 3D imaging to direct high doses of radiation precisely at a target.

Medical experts consider SRS a standard treatment option for small brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and functional disorders like trigeminal neuralgia. The goal is to stop the growth of tumors or correct blood vessel abnormalities. Because the radiation is so focused, it is often used when a tumor is in a hard-to-reach area or when a patient is not healthy enough for open surgery.

Safety notes and individualized care

SRS is designed to protect healthy tissue. By focusing radiation beams tightly on the target, the procedure limits the exposure of nearby normal cells. This precision generally lowers the risk of side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy that covers a larger area.

However, like all medical procedures, SRS does carry some risks. Your care team will discuss these with you based on your specific condition. Common side effects are often temporary and may include:

• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Headache or nausea
• Swelling at the treatment site
• Scalp irritation or temporary hair loss in a small area

Your doctor will review your medical history, the size of the area being treated, and its location to decide if this is the right option for you. Long-term monitoring is usually required to ensure the treatment was successful.

Sources used

The content in this section is grounded in patient education materials and clinical overviews from reputable medical organizations. These sources include major academic medical centers, national government health institutes, and professional associations dedicated to neurosurgery and radiology.