Behcet's Disease
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What is Behcet's Disease?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?Organizations
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What is Behcet's Disease?
Behcet's disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder. The cause of Behcet's disease is unknown, although there have been
reports of a virus found in some individuals with the disease. Behcet's disease generally begins when individuals are in their
20s or 30s, although it can happen at any age. It tends to occur more often in men than in women. Symptoms of Behcet's disease
include recurrent ulcers in the mouth (resembling canker sores) and on the genitals, and eye inflammation. The disorder may
also cause various types of skin lesions, arthritis, bowel inflammation, meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the
brain and spinal cord), and cranial nerve palsies. Behcet's is a multi-system disease; it may involve all organs and affect
the central nervous system, causing memory loss and impaired speech, balance, and movement.
The effects of the disease may include blindness, stroke, swelling of the spinal cord, and intestinal complications. The disease
is common in Japan, Turkey and Israel, and less common in the United States.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for Behcet's disease is symptomatic and supportive. Medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and/or regulate
the immune system. Immunosuppressive therapy may be considered.
What is the prognosis?
Behcet's disease is a lifelong disorder that comes and goes. Permanent remission of symptoms has not been reported.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on painful neurological disorders such as Behcet's disease. This research is aimed at discovering
the causes of these disorders and finding ways to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure them.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
American Behcet's Disease Association
P.O. 19952
Amarillo,
TX
79114
brivas@behcets.com
http://www.behcets.com
Tel: 800-7-BEHCETS (723-4238)
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National Eye Institute (NEI)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 6A32 MSC 2510
Bethesda,
MD
20892-2510
2020@nei.nih.gov
http://www.nei.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-5248
|
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Dr., Rm. 4C02 MSC 2350
Bethesda,
MD
20892-2350
NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
http://www.niams.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-8190
877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
|
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
Research (NIDCR)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Room 5B-55
Bethesda,
MD
20892
nidcrinfo@mail.nih.gov
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-4261
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National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury,
CT
06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100
Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
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Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
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Last updated February 12, 2007
