Associate Clinical Professor of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at UCLA and Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
(Image courtesy of http://www.patient.co.uk)
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that
affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood
vessel walls. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is uncommon.
In Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, genetic mutations disrupt the production of
collagen, a chief component of connective tissue. Doctors have
identified several types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with varying
symptoms, but all types affect your joints, and most affect your skin.
Prominent signs and symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include stretchy,
fragile skin and flexible joints that extend beyond the normal range of
movement. It's possible to have very flexible, or "double" joints. This
isn't the same as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may limit your physical activities. The syndrome does not affect mental function.
