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Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)

The below information is purely for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

What are Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. The condition is characterised by joint hypermobility, stretchy skin, easy bruising and abnormal scar formation following injury. As a result, patients with EDS often experience chronic pain affecting their joints and/or muscles.
The condition is rare, with an estimated 1 in 5,000 individuals affected by EDS.

What Causes Ehlers-Danlos syndromes?

Different types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are associated with one or more changes in the genes which carry the code for proteins in connective tissue. However, the exact gene is not always known. Most types of EDS are caused by defects in a protein called collagen, and all types of EDS involve a malfunction in the production of proteins which are important building blocks of connective tissue. In some types of EDS, such as hypermobile EDS, around 50% of children of affected individuals inherit the condition. In other cases, the likelihood of developing EDS is lower.

Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos

Medical cannabis for Ehlers Danlos Syndromes.Ehlers-Danlos syndromes can be characterised by a range of symptoms depending on the severity of the condition. The condition itself is associated with joint hypermobility, stretchy skin, easy bruising, and abnormal scar formation following an injury.
Other common symptoms include:

  • Joint or spine pain
  • Chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia
  • Fatigue
  • Recurrent joint dislocation or subluxation
  • Muscle pain
  • Soft, silky skin textures
  • Stretch marks
  • Lack of muscle tone
  • Varicose veins
  • Abdominal wall or groin hernia
  • Uterine or rectal prolapse
  • A drop in blood pressure on standing
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) – an increase in heart rate on standing
  • Gut problems, such as heartburn, nausea/vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, and difficulty passing stool.

Types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

There are currently thirteen classified types of EDS – a patient’s symptoms are matched up to the criteria to identify the type of EDS that fit. However, most of these conditions are rare.
The thirteen conditions are:

  • Hypermobile EDS
    Characterised by prominent generalised joint hypermobility.
  • Classical EDS (cEDS)
    Characterised by joint hypermobility, stretchy skin, easy bruising, and abnormal scarring.
  • Vascular EDS (vEDS)
    Due to an abnormal variant in the gene COL3A1, resulting in an increased risk of aneurysms, fistulae and rupture of blood vessels.
  • Arthrochalasia EDS (aEDS)
    Associated with bilateral hip dislocation and severe joint hypermobility.
  • Brittle Cornea Syndrome (BCS)
    Characterised by a thin and bulging cornea covering the eye, as well as the whites of the eye turning blue.
  • Cardiac-valvular EDS (cvEDS)
    Characterised by severe dysfunction with heart valves.
  • Classical-like EDS (clEDS)
    Similar to classical EDS, but caused a disruption with the basement layer of muscle, instead of defective collagen.
  • Dermatosparaxis EDS (dEDS)
    Associated with extreme skin fragility from birth.
  • Musculocontractural EDS (mcEDS)
    Associated with muscle contractures from birth.
  • Myopathic EDS (mEDS)
    Characterised by low muscle tone and/or shrinking of muscles.
  • Spondylodysplastic EDS (spEDS)
    Associated with short height and bowing of limbs.

The most common types are hypermobile EDS (hEDS), classic EDS, vascular EDS, and kyphoscoliotic EDS.

How is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Diagnosed?

Medical cannabis for Ehlers Danlos Syndromes.Ehlers-Danlos syndromes can be suspected after taking a thorough history and examination. The physical examination is used to help identify the degree of hypermobility in an affected individual’s joints, as well as to identify any other additional features of EDS. Genetic tests sampling an individual’s blood are also used alongside an examination of symptoms to confirm a diagnosis, however, this is only able to detect some forms of EDS and help to rule out other potential problems.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Treatment

Whilst there is no current cure for EDS, the goal of treatment and therapy is to manage symptoms and address potentially life-threatening complications, such as aneurysms, fistulae, and rupture of blood vessels. Below are some of the different types of symptom control:

  • Physiotherapy – doing exercises to develop muscle and joint strength.
  • Occupational therapist – to obtain advice on the equipment that can help with day-to-day tasks.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy – to help learn how to manage the pain.
  • Pain management – painkillers, such as anti-inflammatory medications, may be useful for acute episodes of pain. However, most individuals will require specific medical treatment for chronic pain through their GP and/or specialist.Medicinal cannabis can be considered when first-line licensed therapies have not achieved adequate pain control

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Medicinal Cannabis

Research into the effect of medicinal cannabis on EDS is limited. However, following the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018, there has been a rise in people looking towards medical cannabis. When first-line therapies have not proved effective at reducing symptoms, medical cannabis may be considered an option for EDS.
For further information and to find out more about medical cannabis, click here to discover more about our award-winning Curaleaf Access Scheme. Alternatively, complete an eligibility assessment now. Once complete, one of our clinicians will review your application and advise whether you are eligible for progression to an appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)

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At least 1 in 5,000 individuals worldwide have a type of EDS, with the hypermobile and classical forms being the most common.

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Depending on the type of EDS condition, the average life expectancy is 48 years old. Research shows that 25% of those diagnosed have experienced a medical complication by the age of 20 and more than 80% by the age of 40.

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If you believe you have some of the well-known symptoms of EDS, arrange an appointment to discuss the signs with your GP in more detail. They can then advise you on the next steps to take.

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Different types of EDS can be more serious than others. Depending on the severity, EDS can cause problems with your blood vessels which can potentially lead to ruptures that can be fatal.

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EDS are a group of thirteen conditions that affect the tissues supporting the skin, bones, and blood vessels. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can cause minor injuries, such as joint dislocation, or more serious life-threatening issues such as ruptures.