Ehlers Danlos Syndrome – Common Signs, Diagnosis And Prognosis
A medical condition that is named after Danish physician Edvard Ehlers and French physician Henri-Alexandre Danlos, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is characterized by the occurrence of disorders, which are associated with connective tissue deformation. This disease is categorized into 10 kinds, which include the hypermobility, classical and vascular types.
Patients who suffer from this illness have problems with collagen synthesis, which causes an increase in the elasticity of connective tissues that are found in the muscles, skin, blood vessels, ligaments as well as visceral organs. Know more about this condition by examining its cause, diagnosis and treatment.
The Common Signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
The Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome has various symptoms, which include loose joints, elastic toes and flat feet. Additionally, individuals who are diagnosed with this disease experience teeth crowding, muscle weakness and osteoarthritis. Aside from these signs, they can also suffer from other illnesses like cystic medial necrosis, fibromyalgia, endocarditis, mitral valve prolapsed and dysautonomia.
The syndrome can also cause some complications such as low bone density, which is popularly known as osteopenia. In addition to this medical condition, it can lead to the development of several nerve compression disorders like neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. Moreover, patients with this illness may suffer from serious and life-threatening ailments including the tethered spinal cord syndrome and Arnold-Chiari malformation.
The Diagnosis of the Medical Condition
An efficient diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is necessary to avoid confusing it with other similar diseases like cutis laxa, copper metabolism disorder as well as Menkes disease. In order to detect this medical condition, physicians will perform an extensive clinical observation of a patient suspected with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
In addition to observations, medical professionals will conduct biochemical as well as DNA examinations. If for instance, this condition is manifested in more than two members of a family, medical experts may conduct prenatal diagnosis to see if it is genetically transferred. Above all, skin biopsy can be performed to help physicians confirm their theories about the syndrome.
The Prognosis of the Disease
If this medical condition is not diagnosed at its onset, it can lead to complications. However, patients should know that the prognosis of this disease depends on its type. Some of the health effects of this illness include spinal deformities, extreme pain in the joint and severe instability of the joint. Moreover, patients may also experience problems with the functions of their blood vessels, which can cause fatal conditions.
More Points on The Proper Management of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Even if there is no available treatment for the syndrome, physicians should monitor the conditions of their patients from time to time to prevent its prognosis. It is necessary that they examine the functions of their cardiovascular system regularly. In addition, medical professionals should encourage them to undergo occupational therapy and physical therapy.
To enhance wound healing among patients, they can intake one to four grams of vitamin C every day. Moreover, patients who have mild types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can undergo surgeries to stimulate joint stability. Finally, they should avoid doing stressful activities to avoid the development of complications.