Q7). What is the prognosis of a child with tuberous sclerosis ?
A7). Most people affected by tuberous sclerosis have a normal life span. Over 50% of people with tuberous sclerosis are intellectually normal. Remainder have learning disabilities to a greater or lesser extent.

Q8). Is there a cure for tuberous sclerosis?
A8). Unfortunately, there is no cure for tuberous sclerosis but treatment is available for various related symptoms.

Q9). Why does tuberous sclerosis affect so many body organs?
A9). In tuberous sclerosis, there is a growth of normal body tissue in a disorganized way (hamartomas). They interfere with the functioning of the organ in which they are growing. When the person becomes an adult, the growth of the organ and the hamartoma stops. As a result, most patients have a normal life span. However, there may be occasional serious problems (kidney, lung or brain tumours) that need to be dealt with later in life.

Q10). What are the chances that my next child will have tuberous sclerosis?
A10). In 2/3^rd of the cases, tuberous sclerosis is a spontaneous mutation and no one else in the family is affected. There are no definitive tests to diagnose tuberous sclerosis in the unborn. Sometimes echocardiography of the baby’s heart during mid – pregnancy may provide evidence of lesions but gives no indication of how severely the baby is affected.

If one of the parents have Tuberous sclerosis , the chances of Tuberous sclerosis in the next pregnancy is 50%.

References:
National Tuberous Sclerosis Association (Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance)
The Tuberous Sclerosis Association online



Last updated on 14-05-2001