Are you also experiencing hearing loss and dizziness? Let's learn about Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)!

Have you suddenly lost your hearing and just felt dizzy? Do you just hear a noise in your ears? Even though you think these are normal things, sometimes behind these things there may be a disease that we have not heard much about, but we should be aware of. Today we are talking about such a disease. This disease is Neurofibromatosis Type 2, or NF2 for short.

Simply put, what is Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)?

NF2 is a genetic condition that affects our nervous system. It is caused by a change in a gene that controls the growth of cells in our body. This genetic change causes the body to produce too many cells. These excess cells can accumulate and form tumors.

But don't worry, most of these lumps are benign , meaning they are not cancerous. These lumps mainly form in:

• Peripheral nerves are nerves that extend to parts of our body, such as the limbs.
• The membrane between our skull and brain (meninges).
• Spine.
• The nerves that connect the brain and the inner ear, which help with hearing and the body's balance.

NF2 is a condition that belongs to a group of diseases called Neurofibromatosis. This group of diseases mainly affects our skin and nervous system.

How common is this NF2 condition in society?

This is a relatively rare condition. According to statistics, NF2 affects about one in 33,000 babies born worldwide. About 3% of all patients diagnosed with neurofibromatosis are NF2 patients.

What are the symptoms of NF2?

The symptoms of NF2 can vary from person to person. They depend on where the tumors are in your body and how large they are. Most people first experience symptoms caused by tumors in the nerves that connect the ear to the brain.

Let's look at these symptoms to understand them clearly:

Symptoms often begin to appear between late childhood and age 30. But the condition can affect anyone at any age. In adults, the nerves that connect the ear to the brain are often affected first. That's why hearing problems are the first to appear. In children, however, tumors often develop in the brain or spinal cord. If symptoms appear in childhood or adolescence, it may indicate that the disease is more severe.

What types of tumors develop in NF2?

There are many different types of tumors that can develop in NF2. Let's take a quick look at them.

Why does NF2 develop? What is the cause?

The main reason for this is a change in the gene called Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) in our body. This gene helps to make a protein called 'merlin'. The main function of this protein is to stop the growth of tumors. That means it is a tumor-suppressor .

So, when there is a defect in this NF2 gene, the 'Merlin' protein is not produced properly. Then some cells in our body divide uncontrollably, multiply, and clump together to form tumors.

What complications can occur due to this condition?

If NF2 is not controlled, some complications can occur. These include:

• Complete loss of hearing
• Loss of vision
• Permanent nerve damage
• Fluid buildup on the brain (hydrocephalus)

Although these tumors are not cancerous, there is a small chance that some NF2 tumors may become cancerous, very rarely. Therefore, regular medical checkups are very important.

How is NF2 diagnosed?

When you go to the doctor, he will first examine you thoroughly, ask about your symptoms and whether anyone in your family has had this disease. Then, he may do several tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: This can clearly detect tumors in the nervous system and skin.
• Hearing test: Check your hearing level.
• Eye exam: Check for cataracts or other eye problems.
• Genetic testing: To confirm whether there is a defect in the NF2 gene.

What are the treatments for NF2?

There is no cure for this yet. But don't worry, there are now many advanced methods to diagnose, treat, and manage these tumors. Your doctor will choose the treatment that is best for you. Treatment methods may vary from person to person.

Here are some of the main treatment methods:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of tumors that are causing symptoms. Surgery is also used to remove cataracts.
• Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy: These treatments are used to reduce the size of some tumors. Stereotactic radiotherapy is one such advanced radiation therapy method.
• Hearing and vision aids: People with hearing loss can use devices such as `Hearing aids`, `cochlear implants` or `auditory brainstem implants`. Things like eyeglasses can help with vision problems.
• Other aids: If you have difficulty with balance and walking, you can use mobility devices.
• Medication: The doctor prescribes medication to control symptoms such as pain.

What time should I see a doctor?

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.

• Change in eyesight.
• Hearing changes or ringing in the ears.
• Muscle weakness or facial drooping.
• New skin bumps or spots.
• A constant headache.
• Pain in the limbs for no reason.
• Having a fit (seizures).

Often, changes in hearing or vision are the first signs of this disease. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice without delay.

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