Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice Tests and diagnosis

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Definition

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that affect your connective tissues — primarily your skin, joints and blood vessel walls. With EDS, genetic mutations disrupt the production of collagen, a chief component of connective tissue.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is uncommon and occurs in six major types. All types affect your joints, and most also affect your skin. Some of the more prominent symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include flexible joints that extend beyond the normal range of movement, and skin that's especially stretchy or fragile.

You may have normal yet very flexible joints, or "double joints." This isn't the same as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Treatment of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome usually focuses on managing the signs and symptoms of the particular type that you have.

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Symptoms