Preface

Neurosurgeons should have a fundamental knowledge of the scientific evidence derived from a multidisciplinary approach regarding genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis. Such knowledge can lead to a high level of expertise and properly guide patient management. This book was conceived as an example of the aforementioned integrated approach. Written by outstanding researchers and clinicians, this volume is designed for graduate students, researchers and practitioners interested in learning how knowledge from research can implement clinical competencies. It is hoped that it will stimulate interest in translating research on Neurofibromatosis into practice.

I wish to thank all the authors for their excellent contributions. Without their enthusiastic participation this book would have not been possible. I also wish to thank to Mr. Gordan Tot, IntechOpen's publishing process manager, whose competence and kind patience in stimulating all participants, including myself and my co-editor Prof. Raffaella Messina, was invaluable in finalizing this book. I am especially grateful to my wife Vanessa and my daughter Alice for their understanding and support, allowing me to spend many extra hours working on this book.

**II**

**Section 5**

**Section 6**

Ocular Findings in Neurofibromatosis *by Hind M. Alkatan, Sawsan S. Bakry and Mohammad A. Alabduljabbar*

*by Mina Lobbous and Bruce R. Korf*

Therapeutic Development in Neurofibromatosis

Ocular Findings in Neurofibromatosis **71**

**Chapter 5 73**

Therapeutic Development in Neurofibromatosis **83**

**Chapter 6 85**

 **Francesco Signorelli, MD, Msc**

Chairman and Professor of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Bari, Italy

#### **Raffaella Messina, MD**

Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Bari, Italy

**1**

Section 1

Introductory Section
