What is a key characteristic of Neurofibromatosis Type 2?

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is principally characterized by the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas. These tumors affect the eighth cranial nerve, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance difficulties due to their impact on auditory and vestibular function. The presence of bilateral acoustic neuromas is a hallmark of NF2 and is pivotal for diagnosis, typically confirmed through imaging studies like MRI.

While café-au-lait spots are associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, they are not a distinguishing feature of NF2. Similarly, growth hormone excess is more related to conditions such as acromegaly or gigantism and has no direct link with NF2. Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia is a separate skeletal condition often associated with McCune-Albright syndrome and is not a characteristic of NF2.

In summary, the defining feature of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 is the occurrence of bilateral acoustic neuromas, which significantly aid in diagnosing and managing the condition.