Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Introduction
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) isthe name for a group of rare inherited conditions that affectconnective tissue.
Connective tissues provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones.
There are several different types of EDS that may share some symptoms, including:
- an increased range of joint movement ( Joint hypermobility )
- stretchy skin
- fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily
The different types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that make connective tissue weaker. Depending on the type of EDS, the faulty gene may have been inherited from one parent, or both parents.
Sometimes the faulty gene isnt inherited, but occurs in the person for the first time.
EDS can affect people in different ways. For some the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling. Some of the rare severe types can be life-threatening.
This pages covers:
Information about you
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 24 Nov 2016
Introduction
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is the name for a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.
Main types of EDS
EDS-hypermobile type is the most common type of EDS. Rarer types include classical EDS, vascular EDS and kyphoscoliotic EDS. EDS-hypermobile type EDS-hypermobile type (EDS-HT), also known as hypermo
Getting medical advice
See your GP if you have several troublesome symptoms of EDS. You don't usually need to worry if you only have a few symptoms and they're not causing any problems. Joint hypermobility, for example, is
Living withEDS
There's no specific treatment for EDS, but with support and advice it's possible to manage many of the symptoms. Adapting your activities It's important to be careful about activities that put a lot
How EDS is inherited
EDS can be inherited, but in some cases it occurs by chance in someone without a family history of the condition. The two main ways that EDS is inherited are: autosomal dominant inheritance (hyper
Information about you
If you have EDS, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for better ways
More information
The following websites provide moreinformation, advice and support forpeople with EDS and their families: Ehlers-Danlos Support UK you can also call their free helpline on0800 907 8518, find local
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