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Home > Genetic & Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) > Neurofibromatosis

* This condition is not a rare disease. It is a condition about which the GARD Information Center has received a question.

Neurofibromatosis *
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Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic neurological disorder that can affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and skin. Tumors, or neurofibromas, grow along the body's nerves or on or underneath the skin. Scientists have classified NF into two distinct types: neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF1, formerly known as von Recklinghausen's NF, is the more common of the types. It occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 births. NF2, also referred to as bilateral acoustic NF, central NF or vestibular NF, occurs less frequently- 1 in 40,000 births. Occurences of NF1 and NF2 are present among all racial groups and affect both sexes equally. The tumors arise from changes in the nerve cells and skin cells. Tumors also may press on the body's vital areas as their size increases. NF may lead to developmental abnormalities and/or increased chances of having learning disabilities. Other forms of NF, where the symptoms are not consistent with that of NF1 or NF2, have been observed. A rare form of NF is schwannomatosis. However, the genetic cause of this form of NF has not been found.[nhgri]

References
  1. Learning About Neurofibromatosis. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). April 10, 2009 Available at: http://www.genome.gov/14514225. Accessed May 11, 2009.

Questions & Answers (Found 1 Question)
A list of questions from the public on rare and/or genetic diseases that have been answered by the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center. Click on each question to find the answer.
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For more information about Neurofibromatosis click on the boxes below:
More Detailed Information NLM Gateway Services Support Groups Clinical Trials & Research
 General | Management Guidelines
More Detailed Information (Found 10 resources)
Links where you can find more general information, comprehensive resources, selected full text journal articles, and news updates

  • General

    • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
    • eMedicine provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free
    • The Genetic Alliance is an international coalition comprised of more than 600 advocacy, research and health care organizations representing millions of individuals with genetic conditions. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine Web site to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
    • MeSH® (Medical Subject Headings) is a terminology tool used by the National Library of Medicine. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • The National Human Genome Research Institute's (NHGRI) mission encompasses a broad range of studies aimed at understanding the structure and function of the human genome and its role in health and disease. Click on the link to view the information page on this topic.
    • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
    • The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Neurofibromatosis. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.
    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Neurofibromatosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
  • Management Guidelines

    • GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions. Click on the link to view the article on this topic.
 
NLM Gateway (Found 1 resource)
A tool to search across multiple resources offered on the National Library of Medicine's Website

    • NLM Gateway allows users to search many resources offered on the National Library of Medicine's Web site at once to quickly find more information about this condition. Some of the resources may be a duplicate of the resources listed on this page. To search NLM Gateway, click on the link; the condition name will already be in the search box, so you can just click the “Search” button.
 
Services (Found 1 resource)
Links to Web sites that offer services, such as tools to locate specialists, specialty clinics, genetic services, and genetic testing laboratories

  • Testing

    • GeneTests lists laboratories offering clinical genetic testing for this condition. Clinical genetic tests are ordered to help diagnose a person or family and to aid in decisions regarding medical care or reproductive issues. Talk to your health care provider or a genetic professional to learn more about your testing options.
 Umbrella Organizations | Live Chat/E-mail Lists | Parent Matching Organizations
Support Groups (Found 5 resources)
Groups providing a wide range of services, supportive resources, and information

  • Umbrella Organizations

  • Live Chat/E-mail Lists

    • The National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) has partnered with Inspire.com to launch an online community for people with rare diseases called The NORD Rare Disease Community. This community connects medical patients, family members, caregivers, and professionals. Click on The NORD Rare Disease Community to learn more.
    • RareShare is an online social hub dedicated to patients, families and healthcare professionals affected by rare medical disorders. Click on RareShare to learn more.
  • Parent Matching Organizations

 
Clinical Trials & Research (Found 3 resources)
Resources where you may find research studies and clinical trials

    • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Neurofibromatosis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.
    • GeneTests lists laboratories offering research genetic testing for this condition. Research genetic tests may be used to find disease-causing genes, learn how genes work, or aid in the understanding of a genetic disorder. In many cases test results are not shared with the patient or physician. Talk to your health care provider or a genetic professional to learn more about research testing for this condition.
    • The Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool (RePORT) provides access to reports, data, and analyses of research activities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including information on NIH expenditures and the results of NIH-supported research. Although these projects may not conduct studies on humans, you may want to contact the investigators to learn more. To search for studies, click on the link and enter the disease name in the "Terms Search" box. Then click "Submit Query".
      Link: http://projectreporter.nih.gov/reporter.cfm

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