Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Neurofibromatosis 2

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Central nervous system
Central nervous system

Alternative Names    Return to top

NF2; Bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis; Central bilateral acoustic NF

Definition    Return to top

Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is a genetic disorder in which tumors form on the nerves of the brain and spine (the central nervous system).

See also: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)

Causes    Return to top

NF2 is passed down through families in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that if one parent has NF2, any child of that parent has a 50-50 chance of having it.

The main risk factor is having a family history of the condition.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms of NF2 include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Signs include:

Tests include:

Treatment    Return to top

Most patients need surgery to remove tumors. Tumors also can be treated with radiation.

Support Groups    Return to top

For information and support, visit www.nf.org.

Update Date: 10/25/2007

Updated by: Chad Haldeman-Englert, M.D., Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.