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.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging – MRI- 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-Is 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 isLocated.  

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.    ENT 

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”

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