At Dartmouth Health Children’s, we aim to provide personalized, comprehensive care that is easy to receive. With our multidisciplinary Neurofibromatosis Clinic, patients can see a pediatric neurologist, pediatric oncologist, and geneticist—all during one visit. The Clinic is designed to provide your family with the most up-to-date care and the education you need to help your child live their happiest, healthiest life.
The Clinic is located at Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
What is neurofibromatosis?
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to form on nerves anywhere in the body. Children with NF may experience a wide range of symptoms, including changes in skin pigmentation, learning challenges, and, in some cases, tumors that require specialized care.
There are three types of neurofibromatosis:
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by skin changes such as light brown spots called café-au-lait spots (similar to birthmarks), and freckling in the underarms or groin area. Small, non-cancerous bumps under the skin called neurofibromas may also appear. In some cases, children with NF1 may have developmental or learning disabilities in addition to these physical symptoms.
- Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2): Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is usually diagnosed between the teenage years and early adulthood. It causes non-cancerous tumors (bilateral vestibular schwannomas) to grow on the nerves that help with hearing and balance. Children with NF2 may have hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or problems with balance.
- Schwannomatosis (SWN): Schwannomatosis (SWN) is the least common type of neurofibromatosis. While it can appear during the teen years, it is most often diagnosed in adulthood. It is characterized by chronic nerve-related pain caused by multiple schwannomas (non-cancerous tumors that form on peripheral nerves).
Our team approach
At our Clinic, your child will be seen by a team of specialists with expertise in the care of neurofibromatosis. During your visit, your child will be evaluated by:
Depending on your child's specific needs, we may also refer you to additional specialists.
Our team
- Deborah Rukin Gold, MD, Child Neurologist
- Nadine P. SantaCruz, MD, MPH, Pediatric Oncologist
Genetic counselors:
Clinic coordinators:
- Bonnie Campbell, MSN, RN, CPN, CNE
- Katherine Veilleux, BSN, RN