Tuberous sclerosis: symptoms
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of tuberous sclerosis can be one, some or all of the following.
- Epilepsy: 80 per cent of children with tuberous sclerosis will be epileptic, some with many types of seizures. These seizures are often difficult to control.
- Intellectual impairment: This does not always occur. Impairment can vary from mild to very severe.
- Behavioural problems: Some children with tuberous sclerosis are very overactive and may have sleeping problems. Some may show signs of autism. Some children may develop challenging behaviours.
Skin signs
The earliest sign may be a white skin patch, even on newborn babies. These white patches are usually found on the torso and limbs.
At a later age a characteristic facial rash, angiofibroma, may appear, especially around the nose, chin and cheeks. The angiofibroma appears in 90 per cent of cases. At first, the rash is made up of red, pinpoint spots which later become small lumps.
Last Reviewed: 31 May 2001
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Common childhood concerns (H-Z)
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Australasian Tuberous Sclerosis Society
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