(Taken from albertanf.org)

Acoustic Neuroma

Tumors on the nerves that lead from the nerves to the brain with enable a person to hear. These tumors grow and result in hearing loss.

Autosomal Dominant Inheritance

The process by which one gene of a pair causes the expression of a trait or disorder. Such a gene has a 50% chance to be passed on to each child of an affected parent.

Café–au-lait Spots

Light brown flat spots on the skins, variable in shape and size. Six or more spots at least ¼ inch in diameter in children and ¾ inch in diameter in adults is usually a sign of NF.

CAT Scan (Computer Axial Tomography)

This test provides highly accurate information about the body and the brain in many directions from a source that encircles the body. The resultant x-ray beams are detected on the inside of the patient by sensors that transmit the information by a computer is asked to analyze and draw a picture. This test is helpful in locating tumors or other abnormal structures.

Cell

The basic unit of an organism.

Central Nervous System

The brain and the nerves of the spinal cord. The system is central because of the nerves of the body, except the cranial nerves, which connect directly with the brin, enter or leave the spinal cord.

Chromosomes

The part of the nucleus of a cell which contains the genes. The nucleus of each body cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes. NF1 is caused by a change in a gene on Chromosome 17. NF2 is caused by a change in a gene on chromosome 22.

Dermal

Related to the skin.

Dermatologist

A doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin. Because NF affects the skin, this specialist often see’s people with NF.

Diagnosis

The identification of a disease or a disorder. Sometimes the signs and symptoms tell the diagnosis. Sometimes lab tests and x-rays also help.

Disseminated

Dominant is used to indicate the stronger gene in a pair. It is the gene whose message will be obeyed to produce a particular characteristic.

Family Practitioner

A doctor in general practice whose extended education and practice qualifies him for certification as a family practitioner. This doctor may serve as the “ general contractor” co-coordinating your care with other specialists.

Fibroma

A tumor composed mainly of fibrous or connective tissue.

Gene

A biology unit of heredity. Genes determine the structure and function of all proteins in the body. In turn , these proteins govern body shape and function.

Glioma

A type of brain tumor.

Heredity

The process of passing on characteristics and traits from parent to child.

Learning Disability

When a person has an average or above average intelligence but has difficulty in processing information. Learning disabilities can affect ones ability to listen, think, read, spell and/or compute math.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A diagnosis technique which uses magnetic energy to image the brain and body.

Mutation

A permanent change in a gene that occurs by chance; it can be passed on to future generations.

Neurofibroma

A benign tumor of the nerve, blood vessel and fibrous tissue.

Neurologist

A doctor who treats diseases or disorders of the nervous system.

Optic Glioma

A tumor affecting the optic(visual) nerve, which may occur in Neurofibromatosis.

Neuroma

Tumor derived from nerve cells, Peripheral- situated away from the corner of the central nervous system.

Neurosurgeon

A specialists who treats disorders of the brain, spine and nervous system.

Orbit

Is the bony cavity of the skull in which the eye ball is located.

Ophthalmologists

A doctor that specializes in medical and surgical care of the eyes.

Orthopedist

Sometimes called Orthopods; they specialize in prevention and correction of disorders involving the skeleton.

Otorbhinlarngologist

Specializes in diseases of the ears, nose and throat.

Pediatrician

Is a doctor who specializes in the care of infants and children; usually until the age of 16 sometimes 18.

Plexiform Neurofibroma

A network of tumors that occur internally below the skin.

Pseudarthrosis

Failure of a fracture to heal; results in a “False Joint”.