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.

Does neurofibromatosis affect learning?

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.

What is NF1 plexiform neurofibromas?

(PLEK-sih-form NOOR-oh-fy-BROH-muh) A tumor that forms in the tissue that covers and protects the nerves. Plexiform neurofibromas can occur anywhere in the body outside of the brain and spinal cord. They can occur on the face (including around the eye), neck, arms, legs, back, chest, abdomen, and internal organs.

When do plexiform neurofibromas appear?

One exception is the plexiform neurofibroma. This is a neurofibroma which affects multiple branches of a nerve, usually a fairly large nerve. Occasionally, such plexiform neurofibromas are noticed in the newborn period, where they may appear as a soft swelling under the skin.

What do plexiform neurofibromas feel like?

Plexiform neurofibromas often feel like a bunch of cords or knots beneath the skin and may have a variation in texture or darker pigmentation on top of the skin.

Is NF1 a learning disability?

Fifty to sixty percent of children with NF1 will have some form of learning disability. NF1 patients typically have normal intelligence, but experience specific problems with reading, writing and the use of numbers.

Does NF1 affect memory?

Attention and executive functions appear to also be compromised in individuals with NF1, which are a factor in difficulties in receptive language, memory, academic skills, and adaptive skills.

Is NF1 dominant or recessive?

NF1 and NF2 are both autosomal dominant disorders, meaning that any child of a parent who is affected by the disorder has a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic mutation.

Does NF skip generations?

NF1 does not skip generations. Sporadic or random mutations in the gene responsible for NF1 account for the remaining 50% of cases, and occur when a child has NF1 but neither parent does.

What causes plexiform neurofibroma?

Causes. People who get plexiform neurofibromas are usually born with a rare genetic disease called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), or von Recklinghausen’s disease. Around 30% to 50% of people who have NF1 will get one or more throughout their life.

What is plexiform neurofibromatosis?

Abstract Plexiform neurofibromas represent an uncommon variant (30%) of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) in which neurofibromas arise from multiple nerves as bulging and deforming masses involving also connective tissue and skin folds.

Why should caregivers look out for plexiform neurofibromas (PNS)?

As NF1 develops, it can form benign (noncancerous) tumors called plexiform neurofibromas (PNs). In rare cases, however, it can also form tumors that are malignant (cancerous). Why should caregivers look out for plexiform neurofibromas (PNs)? Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) are benign tumors that grow along a nerve.

What is neurofibromatosis type 1?

NF1 and Plexiform Neurofibromas Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterized by distinctive skin abnormalities and a high number of non-cancerous nervous system and non-nervous system tumors that grow throughout the body.

What is a cutaneous neurofibroma?

Multiple non-cancerous tumors (neurofibromas) often form on or underneath the skin or along nerves throughout the body. Cutaneous neurofibromas are the most common tumor in NF1 patients, manifesting as small bumps under the skin that can increase in number and size over time.