Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Tuberous Sclerosis

Definition

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a hereditary neurological condition that affects all ages. The name arises from the potato stem-shaped growths that occur in the brain, also known as tubers. These growths often involve overgrowth of nerves or the connective tissue within them, which is described by the term sclerosis.

Description

TS is also known by the names tuberous sclerosis complex and Bourneville's disease. Neurological symptoms may include tubers and other non-cancerous growths in the brain, cancerous brain tumors, seizures, and mental retardation or developmental delay.

Nearly everyone with TS has some symptoms affecting their skin. These include light-colored patches called ash-leaf spots, acne-type growths on the face, nail...