NF is caused by a change in our genetic material. NF1 is caused by a change in a gene carried on chromosome 17. NF2 is caused by a change in a gene carried on chromosome 22.
The change in the genetic material that causes NF1 and NF2 can be inherited from a parent, or it can occur spontaneously when new life is formed from an egg and a sperm.
Inherited from a parent
If either parent has NF, there is a 50% chance with each pregnancy that the gene causing NF will be passed on to the child. There is no way to predict whether a child who inherits the gene will be affected more severely than, the same as, or less than the parent.
Occurs spontaneously
In approximately 50% of cases, NF occurs in an individual who has no family history of the disorder. This happens when there is a spontaneous change in the genetic material carried by either the sperm or the egg when a pregnancy begins. There is nothing a parent does or doesn't do to cause this change. Once a child has the changed gene that causes NF, he or she will have a 50% chance of passing the gene on to his or her children.
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