What is Gamma Knife?
Gamma knife is a treatment for OCD that does not require opening the skull. In gamma knife procedures, multiple gamma rays pass through the skull (see image to the right). On its own, a single gamma ray poses no danger to brain tissue. However, when gamma rays intersect, the energy level is high enough to destroy the targeted brain tissue. The most recent version of this procedure is called gamma ventral capsulotomy. This is because the procedure is limited to the ventral (bottom) half of a brain area called the anterior capsule. About 60% of those who did not respond to behavior therapy or medicines for OCD got some benefit from the procedure.
Click here to read a personal story from Gerry Radano, LMSW, about the gamma knife treatment.