NF Specialists

Children and Teen Specialists

Adolescent Gynecology

Teenagers who need gynecology evaluations are seen by Drs. Dianne Merritt and Colleen McNicholas, who are experts in the evaluation and management of these problems in this age group.

The Washington University Autism Clinical Center fulfills a unique role in addressing the needs of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Services include diagnostic assessment, comprehensive intervention planning, Applied Behavior Analysis/Positive Behavior Support, plans by Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Parent-implemented Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (birth-2 years), and psychiatric intervention. View the Autism Clinical Center brochure for additional information about services and scheduling an appointment.

Dermatology

Children and teenagers who need to be seen by a pediatric dermatologist are referred to Dr. Carrie C. Coughlin. She is an expert in the evaluation and management of NF-associated skin problems.

Endocrinology

Children with NF1 can sometimes develop early-onset puberty or other endocrine problems. In these situations, they are evaluated and managed by Dr. Kyle McNerney. Dr. McNerney is an expert in precocious puberty and growth problems in children with NF1.

Epilepsy

Children and teenagers can sometimes have a seizure and require the expertise of a physician expert in epilepsy. Dr. Judy L. Weisenberg is a pediatric neurologist with particular expertise in seizures arising in children with NF1.

Neuro-Oncology

The management of brain and nerve tumors can involve medical or surgical treatment. When children and teenagers require chemotherapy, complete neuro-oncology care is provided by Drs. Nicole M. Brossier (Brain Tumors), Amy Armstrong (Plexiform neurofibromas), and Allison A. King.

Neuro-Ophthalmology

The evaluation of vision is vitally important in children with NF1 and NF2. For this reason, we have established a dedicated neuro-ophthalmology team (Drs. James Hoekel, Margaret Reynolds, and Mark Rallo). These physicians have particular expertise in vision loss, cataracts, glaucoma, eye crossing (strabismus), and optic pathway gliomas.

Neuropsychology

Many children with NF1 require formal neuropsychological evaluation to obtain the proper educational services in school. Dr. Ashley Levan provides testing and meaningful recommendations to parents and educators.

Neurosurgery

Brain and spine tumors are sometimes treated with surgery. Dr. David D. Limbrick is an experienced pediatric neurosurgeon with expertise in the surgical treatment of NF-associated tumors.

Orthopedics

Children with long bone defects (tibial dysplasia and pseudarthrosis) are evaluated and managed by Drs. Mark Miller and Charles Goldfarb, while those with scoliosis are cared for by Drs. Scott J. Luhmann and Keith Bridwell. Each of these surgical teams has expertise in NF-related bone problems.

Otolaryngology

When children require an evaluation and potential surgery for NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas, they are seen by Dr. Craig Buchman and jointly managed with Drs. Greg Zipfel and Albert Kim from the Division Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. David Molter manages our children with craniofacial defects.

Pain Management

Occasionally, children and adolescents with NF require management of chronic pain. These critical services are provided by Dr. Jacob AuBuchon and his team in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Plastic Surgery

When neurofibromas require surgical removal, children and teenagers are evaluated by Dr. Alison Snyder Warwick and her colleagues. Dr. Warwick has considerable expertise in neurofibroma surgery.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep problems are frequently seen in children and teenagers. These problems require the care of a specialist in sleep medicine. Dr. Amy K. Licis is a pediatric neurologist expert in the management of sleep disorders in people with NF1.

Adult Specialists

Dermatology

Adults with NF who need to be seen by a dermatologist are referred to Dr. Milan Anadkat. He is an expert in the evaluation and management of NF-associated skin problems.

High-Risk Pregnancy

Women with NF1 who require obstetrical care are managed by specialists in high-risk pregnancy. Dr. Roxane M. Rampersad from the Washington University Maternal-Fetal Medicine program works together with a dedicated team of sonographers (ultrasound), genetic counselors, fertility experts, neonatologists, pediatric specialists, and advanced practice nurses to deliver the highest quality of care for women and their families with NF1.

Neuro-Oncology

The management of brain and nerve tumors can require medical treatment. When adults require chemotherapy, complete neuro-oncology care is provided by Dr. Jian Li Campian.

Neuro-Ophthalmology

Adults with NF1 and NF2 who require detailed eye examinations and treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, or vision decline are seen by Dr. Greg P. Van Stavern. Dr. Van Stavern specializes in neuro-ophthalmology and has considerable expertise in managing these problems.

Neurosurgery

Adults with brain and nerve tumors are evaluated and treated by Drs. Greg Zipfel and Albert Kim. They specialize in meningiomas, schwannomas, and other brain tumors that occur in adults with NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis.

Otolaryngology

When adults require an evaluation and potential surgery for NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas, they are seen by Dr. Craig Buchman and jointly managed with Drs. Greg Zipfel and Albert Kim from the Department of Neurosurgery.

Pain Management

Adults with NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis often require treatment for chronic pain. These critical services are provided by Dr. Robert A. Swarm and his team in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Plastic Surgery

When neurofibromas or schwannomas require surgical removal, adults are evaluated by Drs. Thomas Tung and Donnie Buck.

Sarcoma Program

When adults develop malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), they are managed by a team of physicians and nurses led by Dr. Angela C. Hirbe. The multi-disciplinary sarcoma program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is one of the country’s largest programs with expertise in MPNSTs.