Behcet’s disease

Behcet’s syndrome, Silk Road disease, Behçet's

What is Behcet’s disease?

Behcet’s disease is a condition which inflames healthy blood vessels and tissues.

It isn’t a well understood condition and diagnosing it can be difficult.

It is more common in the Middle East and in Mediterranean countries like Turkey.

What causes Behcet’s disease?

The exact cause of Behcet’s disease is not fully understood but it is thought that the immune system can sometimes attack the blood vessels.

Research suggests that it is related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What are the symptoms of Behcet’s disease?

When people have Behcet’s disease, their symptoms can go from being severe to periods where the symptoms disappear completely.

Sometimes the symptoms can be resolved over time but other times, they may never go.

The symptoms of Behcet’s disease include:

  • Acne
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Stiff and swollen joints
  • Genital and mouth ulcers

Are you affected by Behcet’s disease?

If you’re affected by Behcet’s disease, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the over 600 neurological conditions. Individually, they are rare, but they affect 1 in 6 people, combined.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with Behcet’s disease, from emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy, to social activities to help people with brain injuries from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with Behcet’s disease?

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with Behcet’s disease? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including Behcet’s disease, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The Brain Charity’s library has a range of resources on Behcet’s disease, as well as many other disability related issues.

Visit the library to read:

Or search our library catalogue online here

Support groups

Behcet’s UK

Website: Local Support Groups – Behçet’s UK

Tel: 0345 1307 3208

Email info@behcetsuk.org

Behcet’s syndrome Centres of Excellence in the UK

Support groups at The Brain Charity

Are you interested in setting up a Behçet’s support group, or do you already run one? Email activities@thebraincharity.org.uk to let us know.

Alternatively, you can check out our list of related support groups here.

Other charities

Behcet’s UK