Signs And Symptoms Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) refers to a group of genetically inherited disorders that affect a person's connective tissues. The main tissues affected tend to be blood vessel walls, joints, and skin. Connective tissue is made from complex mixtures of proteins, chemicals, and other necessary substances. These materials give elasticity and strength to your body's underlying structures, acting as a support system. It's common for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome to have unusually flexible joints and particularly fragile skin. A more severe form of the disease, the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, has the potential to cause rupturing of the uterus, intestines, or blood vessels. Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause severe complications for mothers during pregnancy, so women with the condition might want to speak with a genetic counselor before getting pregnant.
These are the main signs of the most common, classic form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as well as some common symptoms of the vascular type.