Tuberous Sclerosis Information Page
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What is Tuberous Sclerosis?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What is Tuberous Sclerosis?
Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic, neurological disorder primarily characterized by seizures, mental retardation, and skin and eye lesions. In some cases, neurobehavioral problems may also occur. Individuals with tuberous sclerosis may experience none or all of the symptoms with varying degrees of severity. Tuberous sclerosis is a multi-system disease that can affect the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and other organs. Small benign tumors may grow on the face and eyes, as well as in the brain, kidneys, and other organs. Neuroimaging studies may be able to confirm the diagnosis. Seizures most often begin in the first year of life.
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific treatment for tuberous sclerosis. Treatment is symptomatic and may include anticonvulsant therapy for seizures; dermabrasion and laser removal techniques for the skin manifestations; drug therapy for neurobehavioral problems; treatment of high blood pressure caused by the kidney problems; and surgery to remove growing tumors.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with tuberous sclerosis varies depending on the severity of symptoms. There is no cure.
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