Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)

Dr Jaishri Blakeley examines a
model of the brain.

What is neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)?

NF1 is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders, affecting about one in every 3,000 people. NF1 ranges from mild to severe, and can cause more symptoms in some people than in others. It primarily affects the skin, the nervous system and the eyes. Most people with NF1 have recognizable signs before the age of 10.

NF1 has also been called Von Recklinghausen's disease, Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis, and peripheral NF.

The most common symptoms of NF1 are:

• Six or more light brown skin spots (café au lait spots)
• Freckles in unusual places, such as under the arms and in the groin
• Colored bumps on the iris (Lisch nodules)
• Neurofibromas

Learn more about the symptoms of NF type 1.

For more information, contact the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis (NF) Center at 410-502-6732.