Neurofibromatosis (NF), one of the most common genetic disorders, is characterized by the formation of tumors involving nerve tissue in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, cranial nerves, and spinal root nerves. Other abnormalities can develop in the skin and bones.

The Duke Neurofibromatosis Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive medical and surgical care to children, adolescents and adults with NF-1 and NF-2.

The symptoms of NF can be varied and evolve over time. Because of the progressive nature of these conditions, pediatric and adult patients are provided with ongoing, specialized multidisciplinary care.

Patients are directed to our affiliated specialists for evaluation and treatment of associated medical problems. These specialists have expertise in the medical complications associated with NF including neuro-oncology, genetics, learning disabilities, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and rehabilitative services.

Research

Members of this multidisciplinary clinical team also engage in collaborative work with researchers in the basic sciences, as well as in clinical research. Scientific work is directed at developing and performing clinical and translational research.

More specifically, the focus is on identifying biochemical markers and therapeutic targets, and participating in therapeutic trials utilizing agents that target cell signaling pathways.

In addition, Dr. Fawn Leigh, director, has established a collaborative initiative with the Neuroproteomics Laboratory, to utilize state-of-the-art biochemical technology to search for potential biomarkers in NF-1.

Appointments

To learn more about the neurofibromatosis services available at Duke, or to get a referral or schedule an appointment, call 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853).

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Bhatti, M. Tariq
  
  • Ophthalmology / Neuro-Ophthalmology Service
• Bonner, Melanie J.
  
  • Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences / Medical Psychology
  • Pediatrics / Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Buckley, Edward G.
  
  • Ophthalmology / Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Service
  • Pediatrics / Ophthalmology
  • Ophthalmology / Neuro-Ophthalmology Service
• Fuchs, Herbert E.
  
  • Surgery / Neurosurgery
  • Pediatrics / Neurosurgery
• Grant, Gerald A.
  
  • Surgery / Neurosurgery
  • Pediatrics / Neurosurgery
• Gururangan, Sridharan
  
  • Surgery / Neurosurgery
  • Pediatrics / Neuro-Oncology
• Kanter, Ronald J.
  
  • Pediatrics / Cardiology
• Leigh, Fawn
  
  • Pediatrics / Neurology
• Linardic, Corinne M.
  
  • Pediatrics / Hematology-Oncology
• Maxfield, Charles M.
  
  • Radiology / Pediatric Radiology
  • Pediatrics / Radiology
• McDonald, Marie T.
  
  • Pediatrics / Medical Genetics
• Riedel, Richard F.
  
  • Medicine / Medical Oncology
• Tucci, Debara L.
  
  • Surgery / Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
  • Pediatrics / Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
• Worley, Gordon
  
  • Pediatrics / Neurodevelopment
• Young, Terri L.
  
  • Ophthalmology / Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Service
  • Pediatrics / Ophthalmology

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center
  2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
• Duke Eye Center
  2351 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
• Duke University Hospital
  2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
• Lenox Baker Children's Hospital
  3000 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705