Neurofibromatosis Type 2

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is also a kind of genetic disorder. In this kind of condition benign tumors tend to grow in the acoustic nerves; hence the tumors are also known as acoustic neuroimas. It is also known as vestibular schwannomas. It can lead to tinnitus and also hearing loss. Apart from this the person may suffer from improper balance in the body.

In some other findings it has been noted that NF2 can cause schwannomas of various other nerves, it can lead to juvenile cataract and meningiomas. NF2 is also hereditary in autosomal in dominant way. This happens basically with the mutation of the gene NF2 in the chromosome band of 22q12.2, this as a result encodes a protein known as Merlin. Approximately 50% of cases due to NF2 are inherited from the parent gene.

Thus one can say that it is predominantly hereditary. While the other 50% cases result on account of mutation of new gene with the NF2 chromosome. It has been observed that any person who suffers from NF2 condition has about 50% chances of transferring it to their kids and their future generation. Thus one can opt for prenatal test to avoid the condition.

NF2 though is lesser known condition but can be fatal. It has been found that one in 40,000 persons suffer from this condition. The slow growing tumor grows steadily in the 8th cranial nerve and result in the bilateral damage of hearing loss with imbalance in the body. Spinal; schwannomas, meningiomas and Ependymomas are also some other conditions.

The patients can also develop cataract, solitary, erratic tumors.  The NF2 tumors are benign but due to their autonomical location the management of such tumors is very difficult. They are capable of causing functional loss as they compress the adjacent nerves. Surgery is also very risky and can cause permanent nerve damage.