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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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.