Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Shelby R. Shifflett
Summary:
It is a defect in the human tissue that provides support to many body parts. Like the skin, muscles and ligaments. Faulty collagen is the main problem in this syndrome. Collagen is a protein that acts a glue in the body. It adds strength and elasticity to connective tissue. Without healthy collagen it causes the parts to become loose. This syndrome has no cure.
There are six types of EDS:
1. Types 1 & 2: Classical
2. Type 3: Hyper-mobility
3. Type 4: Vascular
4. Type 6: Kyphoscoliosis
5. Type 7A & 7B: Arthrochalasia
6. Type 7C: Dermatosparaxis
But You Don't Look Sick: Living With Chronic Pain (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome)
Signs & Symptoms:
- Double jointedness
- Flat Feet
- Joint pain
- Chronic pain
- Hypermobile dislocating and subluxating joints
- Soft/Stretchy Skin
- Brusing/Scaring easily
- Slow healing
- Poor sleeping pattern
- etc.. Every experience is different.
Diagnosis:
Traditionally diagnosed by a physical exam, testing skin for what it feels like and how much it stretches by the Beighton Score. If heart or vascular issues are suspected than a echocardiogram or other tests will be run. Diagnosis of type depends on the symptoms.
Treatment:
Theres no cure for this syndrome, but there are ways to maintain the health state so things don't get more complicated. These are the main treatments for EDS :
- Medication for pain: Anything from OTC pain relievers to stronger prescribed medicine from a doctor all depending on the pain rating.
- Physical Therapy
- Surgery and Other procedures
Prognosis:
It varies in severity.
- Severe restriction in daily life
- Severe spinal deformities may affect breathing
- Extreme joint instability, chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Degenerative joint disease
- Frequent injuries and spinal deformities may limit a persons mobility.
Statistics:
Medical Terms.
None.