Q: What
is Neurofibromatosis (NF)?
A: Neurofibromatosis
is a genetic disorder of the nervous system which causes tumors to
form on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. It affects all
races and both sexes equally. Approximately half of NF cases are
inherited; the other half occur spontaneously.
Q: Are
there different forms of NF?
A: Yes.
There is NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. They each affect the body in
different ways.
Q: How
common is NF?
A: NF1
is the most common, affecting roughly 1 of 2,500 births. NF2 is
estimated to affect 1 of 25,000 births, and Schwannomatosis affects
around 1 of 40,000 births.
Q:
What are the most common symptoms of NF?
A:
The hallmark of NF is tumor growth in the brain, spinal cord and
nerves. In NF2 patients, these tumors often cause deafness, balance
issues and pain. NF1 patients often suffer from bone abnormalities,
learning disabilities, optic tumors (which may lead to blindness),
and a multitude of other complications.
Q: Is
there a treatment or cure for NF?
A: Not
at this time.
However,
research is being conducted through the National Institutes of Health
and the Department of Defense.
Q: How
can I learn more about NF and get involved in the NF community?
A: Visit
www.nfnetwork.org
for national news and www.nfcentralplains.org
for regional news.
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