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10 Signs Of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers danlos syndrome is a rare disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms and in this blog post, we will discuss 10 symptoms of Ehlers danlos syndrome. 

Ehlers Danlos Syndromes 

symptoms of ehlers danlos syndrome

Ehlers Danlos syndrome is a group of connective tissue disorders that can have a wide range of clinical manifestations. The most common form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobile EDS (hEDS), is characterized by loose joints and velvety skin. Ehlers Danlos Syndromes are caused by changes in the structure of collagen or other proteins in the connective tissue. These changes can be gotten in an autosomal recessive, X-linked or autosomal dominant manner. Ehlers Danlos Syndromes can also occur as the result of a spontaneous mutation. There are many different types of Ehlers Danlos Syndromes, and each type has its own set of clinical features. The most serious complications of Ehlers Danlos Syndromes include blood vessels and organ rupture. People with Ehlers Danlos syndrome should be under the care of a team of specialists. 

Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders that can be inherited in either an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner. EDS is a rare disease, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5,000-20,000 people worldwide. There are seven different types of EDS, each with its own unique set of symptoms. Other common symptoms include weak skin that bruises easily, and stretchy skin that is highly elastic. People with Ehlers Danlos syndrome may also experience muscle pain, fatigue, and problems with blood pressure and vision. Some types of EDS can also cause serious complications such as abnormal blood clotting and rupture of blood vessels. 

The most common form of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is the hypermobility type, which is characterized by loose joints and mildly stretchy skin. However, there are many other types of Ehlers Danlos Syndromes, including vascular type, which can cause serious complications such as fragile skin and high blood pressure. Vascular EDS (vEDS) is another common type of EDS that is characterized by thin, elastic skin and easy bruising. vEDS has a more serious course than hEDS and can lead to life-threatening complications, such as ruptured arteries and organ damage. vEDS is gotten in an autosomal recessive manner, which means that two copies of the mutated gene are necessary for a person to be affected by the disorder. 

10 Symptoms Of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome? 

symptoms of ehlers danlos syndrome

Symptoms of Ehlers Danlos syndrome range from mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms include mildly loose joints, stretchy skin, fragile blood vessels, and bruises easily. The most common form, the classical type, is marked by velvety skin that bruises easily and abnormal scarring. People with this type may also have mildly loose joints that dislocate easily, and thin, soft skin. The classic form is the least severe, with a median life expectancy of about 60 years. The vascular type is the most serious and is characterized by fragile blood vessels that are prone to rupture. This can lead to internal bleeding and organ damage. People with this type have a median life expectancy of about 40 years. Several rare types of Ehlers Danlos syndromes can be difficult to diagnose. Some of these rare disorders are associated with muscle pain, joint instability, and other health problems. There are 10 popular symptoms of Ehlers  danlos syndrome namely:

1. Joint hypermobility –  Joints that are “loose” and can move beyond the normal range of motion. 

2. Joint dislocations – Dislocations that occur spontaneously or with minimal trauma.

3. Chronic joint pain – Pain that is long-lasting and may worsen over time.

4. Soft, velvety skin – Skin that is thin and fragile, and bruises easily.

5. Fragile skin – Skin that tears or splits easily, sometimes without any injury.

6. Easy bruising – Bruising occurs with minimal trauma or none at all.

7. Stretchy skin – Skin that can be stretched further than normal without breaking.

8. Poor wound healing – Wounds that take longer to heal, or heal with poor scarring.

9. Chronic fatigue – the fatigue that is long-lasting and may worsen over time.

10. Gastrointestinal problems – Problems with the digestive system, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The most severe form of EDS, known as dermatosparaxis type, is a very rare disorder that is fatal in nearly all cases. People with dermatosparaxis type EDS are born with excessively fragile skin that breaks down easily and does not heal properly. This can lead to severe wounds and deformities, and the condition is frequently fatal in infancy or early childhood. 

Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

symptoms of ehlers danlos syndrome

Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (VEDS) is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder that is caused by a genetic mutation. VEDS is the most severe form of Ehlers Danlos syndrome which refers to a class of disorders that impact the connective tissues in the body. People with VEDS have fragile blood vessels and are at risk of internal bleeding and organ damage. VEDS is caused by a mutation in the COL3A1 gene, which encodes collagen, a protein that helps to stabilize joints and connective tissues. VEDS is characterized by stretchy skin, hypermobile joints, and loose skin that bruises easily. In addition, people with VEDS often have mitral valve prolapse, a condition in which the valve between the left ventricle and the left atrium of the heart does not close properly. VEDS is typically diagnosed based on the clinical description and genetic testing. 

Individuals with VEDS are at increased risk for spontaneous rupture of blood vessels and other major organs such as the spleen. They may also experience chronic pain and joint instability. VEDS can be diagnosed through the clinical description, skin biopsy, genetic testing, and imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

There is no cure for VEDS, but treatment options are available to manage symptoms and reduce complications. The median life expectancy for people with VEDS is approximately 50 years, although this varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. 

What Is The Role Of Connective Tissues?

What is the role of connective tissues? Connective tissue is a structural and supportive tissue that is found throughout the body, from the bones and muscles to the blood vessels and skin. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of disorders that affect connective tissues. There are six subtypes of EDS, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common form of EDS is the hypermobile type, which is characterized by joint pain and hypermobility also called loose joints. Other Ed’s subtypes include the classical type, which is characterized by fragile skin and bruising; the vascular type, which is characterized by fragile blood vessels and arterial ruptures; and the kyphoscoliotic type, which is characterized by a curvature of the spine and Kyphosis (a hunchback deformity).

Conclusion 

Diagnosing EDS can be difficult because there is no single test that can definitively diagnose the condition. Ehlers Danlos Syndromes are usually gotten in an autosomal recessive or dominant manner, though there is also a form that is inherited in family history. Ehlers Danlos Syndromes are diagnosed using a combination of symptoms, physical examination, skin biopsy, and genetic testing. There is no cure for Ehlers Danlos syndrome, but treatments such as physical therapy and pain management can help improve symptoms and health outcomes.