Symptoms
Many patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) remain symptom-free for a long time.
The role of blood platelets
Blood platelets play an important role in the formation of blood clots. Symptoms of the disease can be confirmed caused either by a very high platelet count or, in other cases, by the functions they perform. A high number of dysfunctional platelets circulating through the blood stream can lead to bleeding, while a high number of normal platelets increases the risk of blood clots.
Bleeding and impairment of the microcirculation
Bleeding occurs mostly in the form of nose and gum bleeding, but can also happen in the stomach and intestinal areas as well as through the skin.
When blood clots begin to form in the thinnest vessels, the supply of blood to the affected tissue will become restricted. This occurs in around half of the patients and is noticeable in the fingers and toes through a reddening of the skin, which is accompanied by swelling (erythromelalgia) and a burning and tingling sensation. In the central nervous system, it manifests itself in the guise of functional disturbances such as repetitive sight and speech disorders, dizziness, balance difficulties, paralysis and even seizures.