Results

The treatment effect of stereotactic radiosurgery occurs gradually, depending on the condition being treated:

• Benign tumors (including vestibular schwannoma). Following stereotactic radiosurgery, the tumor may shrink over a period of 18 months to two years, but the main goal of treatment for benign tumors is to prevent any future tumor growth.
• Malignant tumors. Cancerous (malignant) tumors may shrink more rapidly, often within a few months.
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The radiation therapy causes the abnormal blood vessels of brain AVMs to thicken and close off. This process may take two years or more.
• Trigeminal neuralgia. SRS creates a lesion that blocks transmission of pain signals along the trigeminal nerve. Many people experience pain relief within several weeks, but it may take several months.

You'll receive instruction on appropriate follow-up exams to monitor your progress.