What causes NF disease?
Table of Contents
What causes NF disease?
Causes. NF1 is caused by mutations in the gene that controls production of a protein called neurofibromin (neurofibromin 1). This gene is believed to function as a tumor suppressor. In about 50% of people with NF1, the disorder results from gene mutations that occur for unknown reasons (spontaneous mutation).
How does NF1 affect a person’s life?
If there are no complications, the life expectancy of people with NF is almost normal. With the right education, people with NF can live a normal life. Although mental impairment is generally mild, NF1 is a known cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Learning disabilities are a common problem.
What does NF disease look like?
Signs and symptoms include: Flat, light brown spots on the skin (cafe au lait spots). These harmless spots are common in many people. Having more than six cafe au lait spots suggests NF1 .
How is NF inherited?
Inheritance. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is considered to have an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. People with this condition are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent .
Does NF1 affect memory?
As many as 80% of all children with neurofibromatosis will have associated difficulties that affect learning, including attention problems, memory problems, spatial perception difficulties, and selective problems in reading or mathematics.
Is NF1 a disability?
Although neurofibromatosis is a serious condition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not specifically list the disorder as a disability. But, the symptoms that accompany the condition can be reviewed for benefits.
Does NF1 affect intelligence?
We conclude that NF 1 is associated with a significantly lower Full Scale IQ, multifocal cognitive deficits (Verbal IQ, Judgment of Line Orientation score), reading disability, and neuromotor deficit.
Can NF1 cause behavior problems?
The most common complications of NF1 are cognitive and behavioral deficits. Up to 80% of children with NF1 experience cognitive and behavioral difficulties involving different domains.
