Bilateral Acoustic Neurofibromatosis (BAN)

Definition

Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on the nerves of the brain and spine (the central nervous system).

See also neurofibromatosis 1

Alternative Names

Causes

NF2 is inherited, and the main risk factor is having a family history of NF2. Inheritance is autosomal dominant. This means that if one parent has NF2, any child of that parent has a 50-50 chance of having it.

Symptoms

• Hearing loss
• Ringing and noises in the ears
• Balance problems
• Cataracts at a young age
• Changes in vision
• Headaches
• Facial weakness
• Coffee-colored marks on the skin

Exams and Tests

Signs include:

• Brain and spinal tumors
• Acoustic (related to hearing) tumors
• Skin tumors

Tests include:

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• MRI
• Genetic testing

Treatment

Most patients require surgery to remove tumors. Tumors also can be treated with radiation.

Support Groups

For information and support, see www.nf.org