Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

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| N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y |

Symptoms of Neurofibromatosis

The symptoms depend on exactly where the swellings are:

  • Café-au-lait patches and freckles (see section on diagnosis) can occur, as may multiple swellings in the skin that are small, jelly-like and purplish. They are not usually painful but can itch and be a nuisance if they catch on clothing or objects.
  • Swellings in major nerves can cause tingling and other odd sensations in the area supplied by those nerves if it is pressed.
  • Deafness, tinnitus and vertigo if a vestibular (inner ear) nerve is affected.

There are yet more symptoms and signs if the brain is affected (see 'Complications').