Tuberous Sclerosis

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Basics

• Summary
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• Genetics

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Summary

Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and other organs. Symptoms vary, depending on where the tumors grow. They could include

• Skin problems, such as light patches and thickened skin
• Seizures
• Behavior problems
• Intellectual disabilities
• Kidney problems

Some people have signs of tuberous sclerosis at birth. In others it can take time for the symptoms to develop. The disease can be mild, or it can cause severe disabilities. In rare cases, tumors in vital organs or other symptoms can be life-threatening.

Tuberous sclerosis has no cure, but treatments can help symptoms. Options include medicines, educational and occupational therapy, surgery, or surgery to treat specific complications.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Start Here

• Tuberous Sclerosis (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) - Short Summary
• Tuberous Sclerosis (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) Also in Spanish

Specifics

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance) - PDF
• Cognitive Challenges (Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance) - PDF
• Epilepsy in Adults with TSC (Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance)

Genetics

• tuberous sclerosis complex: MedlinePlus Genetics (National Library of Medicine)

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Tuberous Sclerosis (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Update on Hereditary Renal Cancer and Imaging Implications.
• Article: Oral Findings in Children, Adolescents and Adults with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
• Article: Congenital lymphedema as a rare and first symptom of tuberous sclerosis...
• Tuberous Sclerosis -- see more articles

Find an Expert

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Also in Spanish

Children

• Tuberous Sclerosis (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish

Patient Handouts

• Tuberous sclerosis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish