Behcet's disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder. The cause of Behcet's disease is unknown, but current research suggests that both genetic and  environmental factors play a role.  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 the Middle East, particularly in Turkey, and in Far Eastern nations such as Japan and Korean, but is less common in the United States. 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. Behcet's disease is a lifelong disorder that comes and goes. Permanent remission of symptoms has not been reported. The NINDS supports research on painful neurological disorders such as Behcet's disease. The National Human Genome Research Institute, another Institute of the National Institutes of Health, conducts research into the genomic basis of Behcet's disease.  This research is aimed at discovering the causes of these disorders and finding ways to treat, prevent, and, ultimately, cure them. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=behcets+syndrome[majr]+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=2+Years http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/behcetssyndrome.html 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/behcet/pubs_behcet.htm /disorders/behcet/xml_behcet.xml xml_behcet.xml V40 American Behcet's Disease Association

P.O. 869

Smithtown NY 11787-0869 info@behcets.com http://www.behcets.com 631-656-0537 800-7-BEHCETS (723-4238) 480-247-5377 Non-profit information and support resource. Provides information to the medical community and works to decrease isolation and stress for people with Behcet's Disease and their family members. V644 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 301-496-5248 V635 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 301-496-8190 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) V660 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 301-496-4261 V91 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

55 Kenosia Avenue

Danbury CT 06810 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) 203-798-2291 Federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. Committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service.