Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)
Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is a disorder in which tumors form on the nerves of the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). It may be passed down (inherited) in families.
Although it has a similar name to neurofibromatosis type 1, it is a different and separate condition.
NF2; Bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis; Bilateral vestibular schwannomas; Central neurofibromatosis
NF2 is caused by a change in the gene NF2. NF2 can be passed down through families in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that if one parent has NF2, any child of that parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. Once someone carries the genetic change, their children have a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Some cases of NF2 occur when the gene changes on its own. This is called sporadic and is not inherited. Once someone carries the genetic change, their children have a 50% chance of inheriting it.
Symptoms of NF2 include:
- Balance problems
- Cataracts at a young age
- Changes in vision
- Coffee-colored marks on the skin (café-au-lait), less common
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Ringing and noises in the ears (tinnitus)
- Weakness of the face
Acoustic nerve tumors can be observed or treated with surgery or radiation.
People with this disorder may benefit from genetic counseling.
People with NF2 should be regularly evaluated with these tests:
- MRI of the brain and spinal cord
- Hearing and speech evaluation
- Eye exam
Fred Telischi is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Coral Gables, Florida. Dr. Telischi is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Schwannoma, Acoustic Neuroma, Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), Mastoidectomy, and Vagotomy. Dr. Telischi is currently accepting new patients.
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
Jaishri Blakeley is a Neurologist practicing medicine in Lutherville, Maryland. Dr. Blakeley is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). She is also highly rated in 27 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Neurofibromatosis, Schwannomatosis, Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), and Laminectomy. Dr. Blakeley is board certified in American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology. Dr. Blakeley is currently accepting new patients.
Comer Children's Hospital - Hyde Park
James Tonsgard is a Pediatric Neurologist and a Neurologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Tonsgard is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Neurofibromatosis, Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), and RASopathies. Dr. Tonsgard is board certified in Pediatrics and Practicing Since1978. Dr. Tonsgard is currently accepting new patients.
More information and support for people with NF2 and their families can be found at:
- Children's Tumor Foundation -- www.ctf.org
- Neurofibromatosis Network -- www.nfnetwork.org
Summary: This is a multi-arm phase II platform-basket screening study designed to test multiple experimental therapies simultaneously in patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN, formerly known as neurofibromatosis type 2) with associated progressive tumors of vestibular schwannomas (VS), non-vestibular schwannomas (non-VS), meningiomas, and ependymomas. This Master Study is being conducted as a ...
Summary: Objective With this prospective natural experiment trial on neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) study, we hope to understand the factors leading to tumor progression and neurological disease burden in NF2. Study Population A total of 269 participants, ages 8-75, with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of NF2 will participate in this study. Design Study participants will be evaluated with a thorough physic...
Published Date: October 27, 2025
Published By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Sahin M, Ullrich N, Srivastava S, Pinto AL. Neurocutaneous syndromes. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 636.