Neurofibromatosis

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Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a disorder affecting the chromosomes of the human body. It is a hereditary disorder affecting the nervous system. The term neurofibromatosis actually refers to two different genetic diseases. The most common type is NF 1, and the less common type is NF 2. Both disorders are transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. An autosomal dominant disease is a disorder caused by the presence of a single autosomal dominant gene; an abnormal factor located on any chromosome other than the sex chromosome. They are both characterized by occurrences in multiple neurofibromas.

The main symptom of these disorders is tumors that form on the ends of nerves throughout the body. NF 1 is most commonly diagnosed during childhood. The most outstanding symptoms seem to occur during adolescence and pregnancy. Although the symptoms of NF vary and are unpredictable another common sign is brown spots on the skin. The markings on the body usually measure .5cm in diameter for younger children and can reach 1.5cm by adulthood. They can also decipher NF by observing markings or freckling on the iris.

The most common tumors occurring with NF 1 are located under the skin. They have even been found in deeper areas of the body. The amount or severity of pain from these tumors can range from minimal pain sparsely to intense pain constantly. One of the most severe results and the most apparent results of these tumors is disfigurement and orthopedic problems. These problems include scoliosis and pseudoarthrisis. There also may be some delaying in sexual maturation. There are many more learning disabilities and optic problems that may develop throughout their life.

Neurofibromatosis 2 has symp...

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...ody and face. His right hand was 3 to 4 times larger that the average man. His life had certainly spread the knowlage and increased the knowledge we have today of Neurofibromatosis.

Bibliography:

Cook, Robert. 1994. The Gene Wars: Science, Politics, and Human Genome. W.W. Norton Co., New York.

Howell, Michael and Peter Ford. 1980. The True History of the Elephant Man. Penguin Books, New York.

Lewis, Ricki. 1994. Human Genetics, Concepts and Applications. Wm. C. Brown Publishers, Dubuque.

Lyon, Jeff. 1995. Altered Fates. W.W. Norton Co., New York

Milunsky, Aubrey MD. 1992. Heredity and Your Family's Health. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.

Side, Lucy MB. 1997. "Homozygous Inactivation of the NF1 Gene in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Myeloid Disorders." The New England Journal of Medicine. 336, 1713-19.

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