Living with neurofibromatosis can be challenging enough in itself, but unfortunately, this is one of the many conditions that can lead to the onset of scoliosis.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Strictly speaking, there are two different forms of neurofibromatosis: type 1 NF1 and type 2 NF2. The tumours are almost always benign, but as the patient reaches adolescence and approaches adulthood, they tend to manifest themselves in the form of visible lumps and bumps on the skin.
These bumps β which vary greatly in size and visibility from one patient to the next β are the most characteristic and recognisable symptom of neurofibromatosis, but the condition is also associated with a range of other problems as well, including:.
Neurofibromatosis is caused by the mutation of a specific gene that is responsible for controlling cell division in the human body. This can happen spontaneously, although the mutated gene can also be passed from parent to child meaning that some β but not all β cases of neurofibromatosis are hereditary. Neurofibromatosis affects roughly 1 out of every 3, babies born each year.
When neurofibromatosis does result the onset of scoliosis, it seems to happen because of benign tumours growing on the spinal cord. This leads to an overall weakening of the spine, which in turn can lead to the growth of a scoliotic curve. Scoliosis that arises as a result of NF1 can generally be treated using the same methods as idiopathic scoliosis. Surgery may be recommended, as may the use of a back brace to halt the progress of the spinal curve.
