Is tuberous sclerosis life-threatening?
Depending on where the noncancerous growths (benign tumors), develop and their size, they can cause severe or life-threatening complications in people with tuberous sclerosis.
What are the symptoms of tubular sclerosis?
Symptoms of tuberous sclerosis
- White spots on your skin that glow under a special lamp.
- A rash on your face that may look like acne.
- Problems with your kidneys.
- Areas of very thick skin, often on your back.
- Growths under or around your nails.
- Pitted teeth.
- Mental disabilities.
- Developmental delays.
How does tuberous sclerosis happen?
Tuberous sclerosis is caused by an alteration (mutation) in one of two different genes, the TSC1 gene or the TSC2 gene. Genes provide instructions for creating proteins that play a critical role in many functions of the body. When a mutation of a gene occurs, the protein product may be faulty, inefficient, or absent.
How is tuberous sclerosis treated?
Although there is no cure for tuberous sclerosis, treatment can help manage specific symptoms….For example:
- Medication. Anti-seizure medications may be prescribed to control seizures.
- Surgery.
- Various types of therapy.
- Educational and vocational services.
- Psychiatric and behavior management.
How does tuberous sclerosis affect the brain?
These growths begin to form in the brain prior to birth and can interfere with brain functioning. They can cause seizures, delayed development, intellectual disability, and autistic or hyperactive behaviour. With age, these growths become hard and calcified, hence the term ‘sclerosis’.
What organs does tuberous sclerosis affect?
Tuberous sclerosis, also known as tuberous sclerosis complex, is a rare genetic condition that causes mainly non-cancerous (benign) tumours to develop in different parts of the body. The tumours most often affect the brain, skin, kidneys, heart, eyes and lungs.
Is tuberous sclerosis curable?
Although there is no cure for tuberous sclerosis, treatment can help manage specific symptoms. For example: Medication. Anti-seizure medications may be prescribed to control seizures.