neurofibromatosis type 2 A genetic disorder that is characterized by the growth of benign tumors of both acoustic nerves (the nerves to the ears). These tumors, called acoustic neuromas, cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and problems with balance. Abbreviated NF2. Other findings in NF2 include similar benign tumors of other nerves, meningiomas,…
neurofibromatosis type 1 A genetic disorder that is characterized by a number of skin characteristics, including multiple café au lait (coffee with milk) spots, multiple benign tumors called neurofibromas on the skin, plexiform neurofibromas (thick and misshapen nerves due to the abnormal growth of cells and tissues that cover the nerve), and freckles in the…
neurofibromatosis A genetic disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects the development and growth of neural (nerve) cell tissues, causes tumors to grow on nerves, and may produce other abnormalities. Neurofibromatosis consists of two very different disorders: neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
neuroendocrinology A branch of medicine concerned with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The nervous and endocrine systems often act together to regulate the physiologic processes of the human body.
neurodermatitis Scaly patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms that are caused by a chronic itching and scratching. Also known as lichen simplex.
neuroblastoma A childhood form of cancer that arises in the adrenal gland or in tissue in the nervous system that is related to the adrenal gland. Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor outside the brain in infants and children. It is often present at birth but may not be detected until later in infancy…
neuritis Inflammation of nerves. There are many causes of neuritis, including various viruses and local irritation of a nerve by adjacent tissues.
neurectomy The surgical removal of part or all of a nerve.
neuralgia, postherpetic The most common complication of shingles, persistence of the pain associated with shingles beyond 1 month, even after the rash is gone. The pain can be severe and debilitating, and it occurs primarily in persons over age 50. The pain of postherpetic neuralgia can be reduced by certain medications including tricyclic antidepressant medications…
neuralgia, facial Severe pain that usually occurs in bursts along the path of the trigeminal nerve, the chief sensory nerve of the face.
neuralgia Pain along the course of a nerve; for example, with and after shingles. See also neuralgia, postherpetic.
neural tube defect A major birth defect caused by abnormal development of the neural tube, the structure that is present during embryonic life that gives rise to the central nervous system. Abbreviated NTD. NTDs are among the most common birth defects resulting in infant death and serious disability. There are a number of different types…