Neurofibromatosis Causes & Risks

Causes

NF is caused by a change in a gene. In many cases the abnormal gene is inherited. However, frequently the gene changes occur by chance in a person with no family history of NF. A person with the inherited form of NF has a 50% chance of passing on the abnormal gene each time he or she has a child. Also, all first-degree relatives (parents, children, and siblings) of an affected individual should be considered at risk and evaluated for signs of NF.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for NF is having a family member with the disease.

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