NF2 stands for Neurofibromatosis Type 2, which is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. It is caused by a mutation in the NF2 gene, which is responsible for producing the protein merlin. Merlin is a tumor suppressor protein, which means that it helps prevent the growth of tumors. When the NF2 gene is mutated, it results in the loss of merlin function, leading to the development of tumors in the nervous system. The most common tumors associated with NF2 are vestibular schwannomas (also known as acoustic neuromas), which are benign tumors that grow on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. People with NF2 may also develop other types of tumors, such as meningiomas, ependymomas, and gliomas. Symptoms of NF2 can include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), balance problems, facial weakness or numbness, and vision problems. Treatment for NF2 typically involves surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.