Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery

Pediatrics

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that causes tubers, or noncancerous lesions, to form in vital organs—such as the brain, heart, skin, kidneys, lungs, and eyes. Some tumors can cause seizures while others can block the flow of fluids in the brain. For children with TSC, expert and timely diagnosis and treatment, such as that available at NewYork-Presbyterian, can be life-changing. At NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital, a multidisciplinary team of experts that includes pediatric neurologists and pediatric neurosurgeons customizes a plan of care that addresses each child’s unique needs in every phase of life.

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What is Tuberous Sclerosis Complex?

TSC is a rare disease caused by mutations, or changes, in certain genes that control proteins in the body that govern how cells grow. Patients with TSC develop benign (non-cancerous) tumors called hamartomas in the brain and other organs such as the kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. TSC is often detected at or before birth by the presence of heart lesions, called rhabdomyomas, seen on routine ultrasound. Other patients are identified later in life when they experience seizures and/or developmental delays. Other symptoms of TSC include abnormal skin growths or skin pigmentation, cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, lung disease, and kidney problems.

About our Program

At NewYork-Presbyterian, TSC experts are dedicated to finding the safest, most effective, and innovative approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of TSC that address each patient’s individualized needs. NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center is designated by the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance as a Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic for its expertise in diagnosing and treating TSC. Children and adolescents receive care at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital or NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital. Adults receive care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. TSC patients and their families can feel at ease knowing that all of their medical needs can be addressed in one location with the highest level of care and expertise, including transitional care into adulthood.

NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center is designated by the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance as a Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic for its expertise in diagnosing and treating TSC.

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