Karen,

I replied to your post a few days ago, but it might have been too wordy for you to read through. That being said, I will keep this one brief regarding my GK experience.

It is a very quick and relatively painless procedure. They will knock you out for a few minutes while they attach a halo to your head as they screw down to the bone. Sounds bad, but you will come around after it's over. I came around as they were wheeling to the MRI machine for a last minute check. The MRI machine feeds it's data to the GK machine for a precise target area. You will still be pretty doped up, so you will most likely be in a somewhat sleepy twilight state during the GK treatment (about 45 minutes for me as I recall). Maybe it was shorter.

There was some slight bleeding from one screw area when they removed the halo, but that was it. My face swelled up for a few days afterwards (about 4 or 5 as I remember) and then goes away. The screw points were a little sensitive during the healing, but that was it.

Hope this info helps you. Please feel free to ask me more questions if you want. BTW, I only got about 60 days of pain relief from the procedure; very disappointed. I'm having my MVD done in 5 days (March 3, 2009). I've tried everything else. Again, hope this info helps.

Good luck and God bless!

Todd

I had the Gamma Knife treatment at the University of Alabama Medical School in Birmingham, Alabama about 3 years ago with NO success. I noticed no effect either good or bad after the procedure. I had opted for the Gamma Knife over cutting a hole in my head (MVD). I now take Lyrica, 75mg, 3 times a day and that controls my Trigeminal unless a flareup occurs then I up to four times a day. Have noticed no side effects from the Lyrica and have been on it about 18 months.

Okay, Campers...

My GK is FINALLY scheduled for Thursday, April 30th at 0600 a.m.

Nervous, but ready to get it on! Details as I experience them...

Aw Fowki !!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you !!!

Good luck in the procedure !!!!

God Bless.

Let us know ! Thanks !