Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue.
Connective tissues provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones.
Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS)
There are several types of EDS that may share some symptoms.
These include:
an increased range of joint movement (joint hypermobility)
stretchy skin
fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily
EDS can affect people in different ways. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling.
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 1 parent or both parents. (I got it from my mom)
Sometimes the faulty gene is not inherited, but occurs in the person for the first time.
Some of the rare, severe types can be life threatening.
Main types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS)
There are 13 types of EDS, most of which are rare.
Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common type.
Other types of EDS include classical EDS, vascular EDS and kyphoscoliotic EDS.
The EDS Support UK website has more information about the different types of EDS
Hypermobile EDS
People with hEDS may have:
joint hypermobility
loose, unstable joints that dislocate easily
joint pain and clicking joints
extreme tiredness (fatigue)
skin that bruises easily
digestive problems, such as heartburn and constipation
dizziness and an increased heart rate after standing up
problems with internal organs, such as mitral valve problems or organ prolapse
problems with bladder control (urinary incontinence)