**Core Concept:** Gamma knife is a non-invasive neurosurgical technique used for treating brain tumors and other neurological disorders by administering focused radiation. It involves using a series of low-energy high-dose gamma rays to target and destroy malignant or benign tumors and abnormal brain tissue without causing significant damage to the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer (C) is right because the gamma knife (also known as the Leksell Gamma Knife) is a type of radiosurgery that utilizes a precise radiation source, typically cobalt-60, to deliver high doses of radiation to specific targets within the brain. This targeted approach helps to minimize the risk of complications associated with conventional surgery, such as bleeding and infection.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A) Steel knife (option A) is incorrect because it refers to a conventional surgical knife, which is not the correct description for the gamma knife.
B) Using cobalt (option D) is not the primary reason for the gamma knife's efficacy. Although cobalt-60 is the radiation source used in gamma knife, the crucial aspect is the precise targeting of radiation to the tumor site, which is achieved through a combination of immobilization, stereotactic imaging, and computer-guided treatment planning.
D) Delayed recovery (option D) is not a characteristic of gamma knife treatment. Although some patients may experience temporary side effects such as headaches, nausea, or seizures post-treatment, the overall recovery time is generally faster compared to conventional surgery.
**Clinical Pearl:** The gamma knife is a valuable tool in the neurosurgeon's arsenal for treating brain lesions. Its non-invasive nature and precise targeting capabilities help minimize complications associated with traditional surgery, ensuring a faster recovery time for patients.
Free Medical MCQs · NEET PG · USMLE · AIIMS
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