Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that affects connective tissues — primarily skin, joints and blood vessel walls. It is caused by a defect in the production of the protein collagen. It affects males and females and all races and ethic groups.

Six distinct types of EDS are currently identified, as well as a few presentations that fit into an 'other'category:
 * Hypermobility Type - the most dominant clinical manifestation; presents with joint hypermobility, resulting into dislocations and bruising; chronic pain often out of proportion to physical and radiological findings
 * Classical Type - presents with marked skin hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility
 * Vascular Type - presents with arterial/intestinal/uterine fragility with possibility of arterial or organ rupture; often presents with thin or translucent with veins being visible thru skin
 * Kyphoscoliosis Type - (formerly EDS Type VI) - presents with scoliosis, joint laxity, and severe muscle hypotonia are present at birth; scoliosis is progressive and may result in loss of ability to walk in one's 20's or 30's
 * Arthrochalasia Type - (formerly EDS Type VII A&B) - presents with congenital hip dislocation and generalized joint hypermobility; may also have skin hyperextensibility, tissue fragility, kyphoscoliosis, and muscle hypotonia
 * Dermatosparaxis Type - (formerly EDS Type VIIC)- presents with severe skin fragility and substantial bruising
 * Other Types - this category groups the rarest genetic presentations

Prevalence
It affects males and females and all races and ethic groups.

Learn more

 * 2016, Another Piece of the Puzzle: An ME/CFS/FM Patient Gets an Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Diagnosis