Radiation Therapy to the Brain

Radiation Oncology Clinic:

After giving the consent to start radiotherapy for the brain, the Radiation Oncologist and the team will provide you and your family with the appropriate health care and support throughout your radiotherapy treatment.

Radiation Therapy (Brain Area):
Simulation and Planning for Radiotherapy:
  • Duration of the appointment: 45 minutes to an hour.
  • What will happen? A head mask will be made for you. You will have a CT scan that simulates your treatment position.
  • N.B: You do not have to fast.
What is the simulation and planning device?

It is a computerized tomography (CT) device containing special computer software that gives a detailed CT scan to the brain, to help the radiation oncology team to plan your treatment.

Step by Step procedure for Brain Radiation Therapy
Radiotherapy sessions:
  • Duration of the session: 15 minutes. It may last for a longer time in some exceptional cases.
What happens during the radiotherapy session?
  1. Radiation therapists check the treatment plan before starting the radiotherapy sessions.
  2. Radiation therapists reproduce the CT simulation’s position by using a special mask for every patient.
  3. Before starting the session, an X-ray is taken to make sure that you are in the same correct position as the CT simulation. Any modifications are made as required.
  4. After confirming that you are in the right position, your session will start.
  • The images during the radiotherapy are not diagnostic; they are used only to verify the patient’s position during radiotherapy sessions.
  • During treatment, you will meet your doctor once a week. You should inform your doctor regarding any side effects you may experience to get the needed help and advice.
Thermoplastic Mask Formation
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES RELATED TO YOUR TREATMENT, WE RECOMMEND DIRECTING THEM TO:
  • The radiation therapist on every visit.
  • Your doctor or the nurse on your weekly follow-up clinic.
N.B: IN SOME SPECIAL CASES, THE ONCOLOGY CONSULTANT MAY PRESCRIBE SOME MEDICATIONS TO BE TAKEN ALONG WITH YOUR RADIOTHERAPY SESSION. PLEASE FOLLOW THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR DOCTOR.