EDS Symptoms
EDS symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the specific type of disease. Some of the milder symptoms can begin in childhood, while more severe types may not show up until adulthood. Symptoms are often hard to pinpoint, but they generally involve muscle and joint pain. In addition, joints may be ‘double-jointed' and have a greater range of motion than normal.
Patients with EDS often experience widespread pain, which gets worse when they exercise. Patients may also experience frequent headaches. People with EDS also often experience mood disorders. Palpitations or extra heartbeats are also common symptoms. Some people with EDS may experience dizziness, particularly when they stand up quickly. Some patients may even develop heart valve problems or a murmur.
In addition to these common symptoms, EDS may also cause other complications, such as bruising or joint hypermobility. Children with vascular EDS may have short stature, recessed gums, and low fat under the skin. They may also develop kyphoscoliosis. In some cases, EDS can cause uterine prolapse or GI outpouchings.
Some people with EDS may also have a hard time gripping objects, such as keys. They may even need special aids for this. People with EDS may have difficulty walking or using their arms and legs, which means they may need a wheelchair. Some people with EDS may also experience difficulty sleeping.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Test
An Ehlers-Danlos syndrome test is available for people who suspect they have the syndrome. This test is done by examining samples of skin under a microscope. People with the syndrome may experience abnormal skin stretching, skin that is translucent or scaly, slow wound healing, and a wide range of other symptoms. If you think you may have this condition, you should schedule an appointment with a physician to determine if you have the disorder.
The symptoms of EDS are often difficult to spot in children and can take years to be diagnosed. It is common for people with the syndrome to go undiagnosed until their thirties. In some cases, a genetic test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This genetic test can help doctors diagnose more accurately, especially if a family member has the disease.
The Invitae Connective Tissue Disorders Panel analyzes several genes associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other multisystem diseases. This test enables physicians to accurately evaluate multiple disorders in a patient. It is available in the Pediatric and Rare Disease clinical areas.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders of the connective tissues. These disorders affect collagen, a vital structural component in the human body. Collagen provides the body with flexibility and strength. The deficiency of normal collagen in some patients can cause serious problems. The most common complication of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome involves the skin. Patients with the condition often have loose skin that is difficult to keep dry.
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