Treatment
There is no specific cure for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Individual problems and symptoms are evaluated and cared for appropriately. Frequently, physical therapy or evaluation by a doctor specializing in rehabilitation medicine is needed.
Prognosis (Expectations)
People with EDS generally have a normal life span. Intelligence is normal.
Those with the rare vascular type of EDS are at significantly increased risk for rupture of a major organ or blood vessel. These individuals, therefore, have a high risk of sudden death.
Complications
Possible complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include:
- Chronic joint pain
- Early-onset arthritis
- Failure of surgical wounds to close (or stitches tear out)
- Premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy
- Rupture of major vessels, including a ruptured aortic aneurysm (only in vascular EDS)
- Rupture of a hollow organ such as the uterus or bowel (only in vascular EDS)
- Rupture of the eyeball
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and you are concerned about your risk or are planning to start a family.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child have symptoms of EDS.
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome : Treatment
Review Date : 12/3/2008
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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