Treatment Preparation & Post Treatment Instructions

Treatment Preparation

• You may be required to have a blood test prior to the treatment. Take the lab requisition given to you at the time of the consult to any lab that is in a convenient location for you and have these tests done no earlier than 2 weeks before the Stereotactic Radiosurgery procedure.
• Eat breakfast the morning of your procedure.
• For single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery, you may have to spend the day at the centre. You must have someone accompany you for the day.
• Wear a blouse or shirt that buttons down the front.
• At time of consultation, you will be instructed on medications needed to be taken prior to the day of the procedure.
• Bring all your medications needed for the day.
• Bring your lunch and any snacks you may need (finger foods work best).
• Bring a new, unused tube of antibiotic ointment on the day of the procedure.
• If you wear glasses, you will not be able to wear them due to the location of the head frame (single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery procedures).

Post Treatment

• Leave pin sites open to the air and apply antibiotic ointment to the pin sites 3 times per day for a few days following the procedure.
• The pin sites may bleed for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Apply pressure with clean gauze until the bleeding stops.
• Seizure activity is a possibility after the single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery procedure. The greatest risk is around 6-8 hours after the completion of the procedure. Taking your steroids or anti-seizure medication as prescribed is very important.
• Tiredness is common for 2-3 weeks following treatment.
• The ARC nurse will call you the morning after the procedure and again 7-10 days later. The nurse will advise you on the tapering of your anti-seizure medication if this is appropriate.
• Headaches are not uncommon for up to 48 hours following this type of treatment. Tylenol or other pain medication you generally take can be used to alleviate this discomfort. If discomfort is not alleviated with Tylenol or pain medication, contact the ARC nurse.