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.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) Tumor Surgery | Hannah's Story

Related to her diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Hannah had a complex plexiform neurofibroma (tumor) growing in her chest since she was 18 months old. After graduating high school, Hannah and her parents learned that the tumor had become cancerous. Watch how the team at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Center worked with Hannah and her family to give her the outcome of a lifetime.

Request an Appointment

Maryland Patients

For assistance with making an appointment, please contact the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Center at 410-502-6732.
Request an Appointment

Adult Neurology: 410-955-9441
Pediatric Neurology: 410-955-4259
Adult Neurosurgery: 410-955-6406
Pediatric Neurosurgery: 410-955-7337

Already a Patient?

Request your next appointment through MyChart!

Traveling for Care?

Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins.

Outside of Maryland (toll free)
410-464-6713
Request an Appointment
Medical Concierge Services

International Patients
+1-410-502-7683
Request an Appointment
Medical Concierge Services