What does EDS mean in SYNDROMES
Ehlers Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders that affect the strength and support structure of the body's tissues. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can affect skin, joints, blood vessel walls, muscles and GI tract. EDS is a rare disorder that affects just 1 in 5,000 - 10,000 individuals worldwide.
EDS meaning in Syndromes in Medical
EDS mostly used in an acronym Syndromes in Category Medical that means Ehlers Danlos syndromes
Shorthand: EDS,
Full Form: Ehlers Danlos syndromes
For more information of "Ehlers Danlos syndromes", see the section below.
Definition
The name "Ehlers-Danlos syndrome" was originally coined in 1936 by two physicians — Drs. Edvard Ehlers and Henri-Alexandre Danlos. They had identified a number of patients with similar clinical features including joint hypermobility, skeletal deformities due to hyperelasticity or fragility of bones and skin lesions such as extended skin creases and an unusual paleness or elasticity of the skin due to repeated stretch injuries.
Types
There are thirteen types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which have been categorized by their gene locations; Hypermobile EDS (hEDS), Classical EDS (cEDS), Vascular EDS (vEDS), Kyphoscoliosis EDS (kEDS), Arthrochalasis multiplex congenita(aMC), Dermatosparaxis EDS (dEDS), Spondylodysplastic EDS (spEDS), Musculocontractural EDS (mcEDS) Brittle cornea syndrome/Corneal dystrophy syndrome(BCSD/CDS), Cardiac—valvular EDS (cardiac—valvular fEDS), Myopathic EDS(myoEDS), Periventricular Heterotopia(PH).
Symptoms
The symptoms may vary from mild to severe depending on the type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome present. The most common symptom is joint hypermobility which leads to unstable joints. Muscular pains occur frequently due to the hyperflexible nature of the patient's joints leading to frequent injury. Other symptoms include soft velvety skin with easy bruising as well as a tendency for easy scarring due to improper wound healing caused by weakened collagen fibers under the skin.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be difficult because there is no single test that can identify it definitively. It often requires a combination of medical tests which includes physical exams, X-rays, CT scans or MRIs as well genetic testing. The diagnosis also requires careful evaluation by experienced healthcare providers who have knowledge about this disease process in order to determine if the individual has one or more forms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Treatment
Unfortunately there is no known cure for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome but treatment aims at improving quality of life and reducing any associated pain or discomfort caused by this condition. Depending on the severity and type if present treatment options may include physical therapy, medications like NSAIDs and muscle relaxants as well as possible surgical interventions when indicated.
Essential Questions and Answers on Ehlers Danlos syndromes in "MEDICAL»SYNDROMES"
What are Ehlers-Danlos syndromes?
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect the body's joints and skin. They are caused by gene mutations that result in defects in collagen, which is the main structural protein found in most tissues of the body. Symptoms vary and can range from mild to severe.
What are the Types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?
EDS is divided into 13 different types depending on which genes mutated and how they affect the body. These types include classic EDS (cEDS), hypermobility EDS (hEDS), vascular EDS (vEDS), arthrochalasia EDS (aEDS), dermatosparaxis EDS (dEDS), kyphoscoliosis type EDS (kEDS), brachyolmia type EDS (bEDS), musculocontractural type EDS (mcEDS or cCDMS) spondylodysplastic type EDS (spEDS), myopathic type EDS (mEDS or mCDMS) and periodontal type EDS (pEDS).
Who gets affected by Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?
Although anyone can be affected by any type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, it tends to run in families and usually affects more females than males. It is estimated that 1 in 5,000 people are affected by some form of EDs worldwide.
What are Common Signs and Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?
Common signs and symptoms associated with EDS involve joint hypermobility, abnormal stretching/tearing skin and easy bruising. Other common signs/symptoms include pain in joints/muscles, fragile skin, chronic joint dislocations, extreme fatigue, digestive problems, heart valve abnormalities and spinal curvature.
How is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is based on medical history, physical examination findings such as hyperextensibility or softness of the skin, family history and laboratory tests such as genetic testing if available for your particular subtype. Additionally imaging studies may be helpful for diagnosis if there is suspicion for complications such as spine curvature or aortic root dilatation.
Are there treatments for people with EDs?
There is currently no cure for any type of Ehler's Danlos Syndrome however certain treatments can help ease symptoms including lifestyle modifications such as avoiding injury to joints through exercise programs designed to strengthen muscles surrounding affected areas; medications to ease pain; physical therapy; specialized braces; surgery when necessary; psychological counseling for coping with symptoms; occupational therapy to optimize daily activities through modified techniques; dietary supplementation with vitamins D & C; omega fatty acids among other vitamins/supplements beneficial to connective tissue health.
Does having an EDs mean I will have life threatening complications?
Most forms of EDs have no life threatening complications however individuals with vEDs should be monitored closely due to particularly delicate connective tissue that can increase their risk for various organ ruptures especially cardiovascular related problems due to aortic root dilatation.
Can I still work even if I have EDs?
Yes you can still work even if you have been diagnosed with an Ehler's Danlose Syndrome although some occupations will be more physically demanding then others so it helps to talk with your doctor about what kind activities you should avoid or try modifying them so they do not strain your already fragile connective tissue.
What impact does exercise have on those living with EDs?
Exercise can be beneficial both physically and psychologically since it helps strengthen muscles surrounding unstable joints while promoting cardiovascular health but it's important to understand limits as too much exercise can cause further damage or strain connective tissues
Final Words:
Ehlers Danlos syndromes are group of heritable connective tissue disorders caused by genetic mutations that disrupt collagen formation resulting in fragile tissue structure leading to several symptoms ranging from mild joint instability to more serious vascular complications such as ruptures causing internal bleeding and organ failure if not managed properly. Diagnosis is complex requiring different medical tests as well system evaluation whereas treatment options mainly focused on relieving any pain or discomfort arising from this condition like physical therapy, medications or surgical interventions when necessary.
EDS also stands for: |
|
| All stands for EDS |