Other Symptoms of Behcet's Disease

Other, less common symptoms of Behcet's disease include:

 

Behcet's disease affects the central nervous system in about 23 percent of all patients with the condition in the United States. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. Its function is to process information and coordinate thinking, behavior, sensation, and movement. Behcet's disease can cause inflammation of the brain and the thin membrane that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord. These conditions are called meningitis and encephalitis, respectively. People with meningitis or encephalitis may have symptoms such as:

 

Someone with possible symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis should report this to his or her doctor immediately. If this condition is left untreated, a stroke (blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain) can result.

 

About 16 percent of patients with Behcet's disease have blood clots resulting from inflammation in the veins (thrombophlebitis), which are usually in the legs. Symptoms basically consist of pain and tenderness in the affected area. The area may also be swollen and warm. Because thrombophlebitis can have severe complications, patients should report these symptoms to their doctor immediately. Infrequently, patients may experience artery problems, such as aneurysms (balloon-like swelling of the artery wall).