Spinal neurofibromas are uncommon, comprising approximately 3% of all spinal tumors. They occur both sporadically and in association with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1; von Recklinghausen's disease). This study presents the clinical characteristics of 32 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic spinal neurofibromas. Twenty-two of these patients showed clinical signs of NF1. The patients were typically younger (median age 31 years) than those with spinal schwannomas. The tumors were located mainly in the cervical region and tended to grow both extra- and intradurally. Patients with NF1 were prone to develop new spinal neurofibromas. A life-table analysis showed a reduced survival rate for these patients compared to that of the general population.