Genetic Disorders

Neurosurgeons at Children's of Mississippi are specially trained to treat genetic disorders in young patients, including, but not limited to:

Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumors of the nerves. Some people with this disorder have barely noticeable neurological problems, while others are affected profoundly. Growths may be surgically removed with careful attention to preventing nerve injuries.

Tuberous sclerosis complex

This genetic disorder causes tumors to grow in organs, primarily the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, skin, and lungs. Some patients are severely affected and experience developmental delays, mental retardation, and autism, while other have only minor symptoms and often go undiagnosed. Surgeons will try to remove or stop the growth of individual tumors before they get too large and compromise healthy functions. TSC is a permanent medical condition, and other symptoms may arise as the patient ages.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL)

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by tumor growth in various parts of the body. Benign tumors in the central nervous system form a nest of blood vessels (hemangioblastomas), which can grow in the brain, retina of the eyes, and other parts of the nervous system. Other types of tumors develop in the adrenal glands, kidneys, or pancreas.

Symptoms vary among patients depending on the size and location of the tumors. Treatment for VHL varies, depending on the location and size of tumors and/or cysts. Surgeons generally try to remove the tumors while they are still small.