Towards this end the Foundation:

• Sponsors scientific research aimed at finding the cause and cure for both types of neurofibromatosis, NF1 and NF2.
  
• Promotes the development of clinical activities, which assure individuals with neurofibromatosis ready access to the highest caliber of medical care.
  
• Develops programs that will increase public awareness of neurofibromatosis
  
• Provides support services for patients and families with accurate and comprehensive information about neurofibromatosis, with support group activities and referrals to qualified physicians and healthcare professionals.

In 1882, NF was first delineated in the medical literature by Dr. Friedrich von Recklinghausen and was so known as Von Recklinghausen's Disease for many years.

Phakomatosis, from the Greek word "phakos" (meaning birthmark), refers to several disorders, including NF, characterized by birthmarks.

Neurocutaneous Disorder refers to any one of several disorders, of which NF is the most common, which affect the skin and the nervous system.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) has been classified into two distinct types: NF1 and NF2.

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), also known as von Recklinghausen NF or Peripheral NF, occurring in 1:4,000 births, is characterized by multiple cafe-au-lait spots and neurofibromas on or under the skin. Enlargement and deformation of bones and curvature of the spine (scoliosis) may also occur. Occasionally, tumors may develop in the brain, on cranial nerves, or on the spinal cord. About 50% of people with NF also have learning disabilities.

Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), also known as Bilateral Acoustic NF (BAN), is much rarer occurring in 1:40,000 births. NF2 is characterized by multiple tumors on the cranial and spinal nerves, and by other lesions of the brain and spinal cord. Tumors affecting both of the auditory nerves are the hallmark. Hearing loss beginning in the teens or early twenties is generally the first symptom.