Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease that causes non-cancerous tumors to form in various vital organs, primarily in the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin and lungs. TSC is also the leading genetic cause of both epilepsy and autism. The disorder’s severity can range from mild to severe, even within the same family if more than one person has TSC.
TSC affects more than 1 million people worldwide and approximately 50,000 people in the United States. At least two children born each day in the United States will have TSC. Moreover, the disease is as common as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and cystic fibrosis. Currently, there is no cure, but ongoing research and clinical trials are leading to new treatments and hope. May is TSC Awareness Month, so if you would like to support awareness for the disease, please use this Twibbon filter on your profile picture to do so!