Facts and Statistics

The majority of people with Nf will have few problems and will live normal lives to a large extent, but nobody wants Nf and much research is going on to find a treatment - perhaps even a cure.

Eighty per cent of those with the condition are considered to be so mildly affected that the disorder may remain undiagnosed throughout their lives. However for the remaining twenty per cent the symptoms of Nf vary from mild to profoundly severe.

Nf1 occurs in 1 in every 2,500 births.

The genes, which cause Nf1 and Nf2, have now been pinpointed and cloned. Much is known about their function and although there is still a lot of work to be done, many feel there is a realistic hope for an effective treatment within the next 5 to 10 years.

Nf 2 occurs in one in every 40,000 births

Research into Neurofibromatosis is happening world-wide but particularly in the US where substantial funding is available.

So, even for people whose Nf does cause problems, the outlook is increasingly positive.