Neurofibromatosis Program

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic condition that places patients at risk for a variety of cancers, including brain and spinal cord tumors. There are three types of neurofibromatosis: neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), and schwannomatosis. NF1 is diagnosed during childhood, while NF2 and schwannomatosis are diagnosed in early adulthood.

Gurcharanjeet Kaur, MD

Dr. Gurcharanjeet Kaur

Gurcharanjeet Kaur, MD, director of the Neurofibromatosis Program in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with Neurofibromatosis. As a board-certified child neurologist and pediatric neuro-oncologist with particular expertise in neurofibromatosis and NF-related tumors, Dr. Kaur remains dedicated to helping children and families affected by NF through attentive, compassionate care, combined with the most recent advances in the field. Through a team-based, multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Kaur supports NF patients and their families on their journey from childhood into adulthood.

Referral to Our Neurofibromatosis Program

While most NF patients will seek care once they are diagnosed with brain, spinal cord tumors, or tumors of the nerves known has neurofibromas, Dr. Kaur strives to establish care for children with NF1 before they are diagnosed with any cancers.

Dr. Kaur works closely with colleagues in Pediatrics and other specialties to have children with neurocutaneous findings referred to the Department of Neurology Neurofibromatosis Program as early as possible. Parents of children with 6 or more cafe-au-lait spots that are >0.5 cm in a pre-pubertal child and > 1.5 cm in a post-pubertal child should speak with their pediatrician to be referred to Dr. Kaur for further evaluation.

Most patients will live with NF1 without major morbidities but identifying NF-related morbidities early on and seeking comprehensive care can make a significant difference.

Multidisciplinary Care Approach

Once diagnosed and under the care of Dr. Kaur, patients with NF will be provided with a specialized plan of multidisciplinary, team-based care at Columbia according to their needs, which may include experts in Neuro-Oncology, Genetics, Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Endocrinology, as well as other specialties.

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment, please call the Department of Neurology’s Neurofibromatosis Program Coordinator, Stephanie Hernandez, at 212-342-3642. 

Prepare for your Visit

  • Prior to your appointment, please fax all previous medical test and records to: 212-304-5223.
  • On the day of your appointment, please bring any computer disks containing imaging studies (MRI/CAT scans).

Location

Columbia Child Neurology - Harkness Pavilion
Neurofibromatosis Program
180 Fort Washington Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10032