The mean age of onset of acoustic neuroma in NF2 is 31 years of age versus 50 years of age for sporadic acoustic neuromas.
should be considered in someone under the age of 40 who has a unilateral acoustic neuroma. Someone with a unilateral acoustic neuroma and other family members diagnosed with NF2 probably is affected with NF2
caused by a change or absence of both of the NF2 tumor suppressor genes in a nerve cell. Every person possesses a pair of NF2 genes in every cell of their body including their nerve cells
The purpose of this evaluation is to obtain a detailed family history and check for signs of NF2. If NF2 is strongly suspected then DNA testing may be recommended
occur as part of a hereditary condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). A person with NF2 has inherited a predisposition for developing acoustic neuromas and other tumors of the nerve cells
The NF2 gene is responsible for helping to prevent the formation of tumors in the nerve cells. In particular the NF2 gene helps to prevent acoustic neuromas
A person with NF2 is typically born with one unchanged and one changed or missing NF2 gene in every cell of their body. Sometimes they inherit this change from their mother or father
The chemical formula for nitrogen difluoride is NF2.
WOW!! That guy is amazing. A chicken? Histerical, Neurofibromatosis affects only chromosome number 23. It also will affect the brain and is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder.It is when your chromosome has a chicken.
DefinitionNeurofibromatosis 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)Alternative NamesNF2; Bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis; Central bilateral acoustic NFCauses, incidence, and risk factorsNF2 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.SymptomsSymptoms of NF2 include:Balance problemsCataracts at a young ageChanges in visionCoffee-colored marks on the skinFacial weaknessHeadachesHearing lossRinging and noises in the earsSigns and testsSigns include:Brain and spinal tumorsHearing-related (acoustic) tumorsSkin tumorsTests include:Genetic testingMedical historyMRIPhysical examinationTreatmentAcoustic neuromas can be observed, or treated with surgery or radiation.Patients may benefit from genetic counseling.Every year, patients with NF2 should be evaluated with:MRI of the brain and spinal cordHearing and speech evaluationEye examSupport GroupsFor information and support, visit www.nf.org.ReferencesFerner RE. Neurofibromatosis 1 and neurofibromatosis 2: a twenty first century perspective. Lancet Neurol. 2007;6:340-351.Haslam RHA. Neurocutaneous syndromes. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 596.
DefinitionAn acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This nerve is located behind the ear right under the brain.An acoustic neuroma is benign, which means it does not spread to other parts of the body or invade the tissue around it. However, it can damage several important nerves as it grows.Alternative NamesVestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumorCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAn acoustic neuroma is believed to occur when there is a defect in a gene that normally prevents tumors from forming. The cause of the genetic defect is not known. However, acoustic neuroma can be linked with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2(NF2).Acoustic neuromas are relatively uncommon.SymptomsThe symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumor grows so slowly, symptoms usually start after the age of 30.Common symptoms include:Abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)Hearing loss in the affected ear that makes it hard to hear conversationsRinging (tinnitus) in the affected earLess common symptoms include:Difficulty understanding speechDizzinessHeadache Upon waking up in the morningWakes you from sleepWorse when lying downWorse when standing upWorse when coughing, sneezing, straining, or lifting (Valsalva maneuver)With nausea or vomitingLoss of balanceNumbness in the face or one earPain in the face or one earSleepinessVision problemsWeakness of the faceSigns and testsThe health care provider may diagnose an acoustic neuroma based on your medical history, an examination of your nervous system, or tests.Often, the physical exam is normal at the time the tumor is diagnosed. Occasionally, the following signs may be present:DroolingFacial droopingon one sideUnsteady walkDilated pupil on one side only (See: Eyes, pupils different size)The most useful test to identify an acoustic neuroma is an MRI of the head. Other useful tests to diagnose the tumor and tell it apart from other causes of dizziness or vertigo include:Head CTHearing test (audiology)Test of equilibrium and balance (electronystagmography)Test of hearing and brainstem function (brainstem auditory evoked response)Test for vertigo (caloric stimulation)TreatmentDepending on the size and location of the tumor, you and your health care provider must decide whether to watch the tumor (observation) or try to remove the tumor.Many acoustic neuromas are small and grow very slowly. Small tumors with few or no symptoms may be followed. Regular MRI scans will be done.If they are not treated, some acoustic neuromas can damage the nerves involved in hearing, as well as the nerves responsible for movement and feeling in the face. Very large tumors can lead to a buildup of fluid (hydrocephalus) in the brain, which can be life-threatening.Removing an acoustic neuroma is more commonly done for:Larger tumorsTumors that are causing symptomsTumors that are growing quicklyTumors that are growing near a nerve or part of the brain that is more likely to cause problemsSurgery is done to remove the tumor and prevent further hearing loss or other nerve damage.Stereotactic radiosurgery focuses high-powered x-rays on a small area. It is considered to be a form of radiation therapy, not a surgical procedure. It may be used:To slow down the growth of tumors that are hard to remove with surgeryTo treat patients who are unable to have surgery, such as the elderly or people who are very sickRemoving an acoustic neuroma can damage nerves, causing loss of hearing or weakness in the face muscles. This damage is more likely to occur when the tumor is next to or around the nerves.Expectations (prognosis)An acoustic neuroma is not cancer. The tumor does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. However, it may continue to grow and press on important structures in the skull.People with small, slow-growing tumors may not need treatment.Once hearing loss occurs, it does not return after surgery.ComplicationsBrain surgery can completely remove the tumor in most cases.Most people with small tumors will have no permanent paralysis of the face after surgery. However, about two-thirds of patients with large tumors will have some permanent facial weakness after surgery.Approximately one-half of patients with small tumors will still be able to hear well in the affected ear after surgery.There may be delayed radiation effects after radiosurgery, including nerve damage, loss of hearing, and paralysis of the face.Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you experience new or worsening hearing loss or vertigo (dizziness).ReferencesBrackmann DE, Arriaga MA. Neoplasms of the posterior fossa. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 177.Battista RA. Gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:635-654.Sweeney P, Yajnik S, Hartsell W, Bovis G, Venkatesan J. Stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2009;42:655-663.
NF3 is the correct formula for nitrogen trifluoride.
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in certain genes (NF1 and NF2) that are involved in controlling cell growth. It is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a person only needs one copy of the mutated gene to develop the condition. In some cases, it may also occur sporadically due to new mutations.