Neurofibromatosis Type 1 was previously referred to as 'Von Recklinhausens Disease', after the German physician who reconized the neurological component of the disorder in 1882. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 was previously called 'Bilateral Acoustic' due to the effects of hearing loss on patients. Gene mutation is the cause of this condition. Neurofibromatosis was nicknamed 'The Elephant Man's Disease' until the late 1980's when it was determined that John Merrick,also known as the elephant man, had Proteus Syndrome instead of Neuofibromatosis. Presently,Neurofibromatosis is incurable,although there are research studies ongoing.
Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant disorder.
Autosomal meaning that the NF gene is located on one of the 22 chromosomes called autosomes. Since there chromosomes are the same in both sexes, the gene can be passed on from either a mother or a father to a son or a daughter. The term dominant means that the presence of only one changed or mutated gene is strong enough to cause this disorder. Neurofibromatosis can be passed on, but it cannot skip generations. This genetic condition is not only passed on, but it can be a result from spontaneous occurrence.