Characteristics/Symptoms

Learn More Physical characteristics found in certain types of EDS

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  • GENERALIZED JOINT HYPERMOBILITY IS AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE
    • Joint hypermobility is common in children without EDS
  • Other joint problems
    • Recurrent dislocations/subluxations (altered position or partial dislocation)
    • Joint pain
    • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) laxity and pain
  • Skin problems
    • Soft velvet like skin
    • Stretch marks not related to weight gain
    • May have some easy bruising
    • NOT associated with fragile skin
  • Other findings
    • Chronic pain – can be joint-related or can be a burning type of pain
    • Functional bowel disorders
      • Irritable bowel syndrome
    • Postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS) or dysautonomia
      • This is the presence of excessive tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate) and other symptoms upon standing.
      • If you are interested in additional information on POTS/dysautonomia please see Dysautonomia Information Network - POTS Symptoms.
    • High, narrow palate (roof of the mouth)
    • Dental crowding
    • NOT associated with increased fractures in children

  • Skin problems
    • Soft velvet like skin
    • Fragile skin that bruises or tears easily
    • Stretchy rubber band-like skin
    • Easy bruising, can be severe
    • Poor and slow wound healing
    • Small harmless bumps under skin
  • Joint problems
    • Loose, unstable joints causes dislocation
    • Hyper-extensible joints
    • Joint pain (from dislocation)
    • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) laxity and pain
  • Eye problems
    • Nearsightedness
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS) or dysautonomia
    • This is the presence of excessive tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate) and many other symptoms upon standing.
    • If you are interested in additional information on POTS/dysautonomia please see Dysautonomia Information Network - POTS Symptoms.

  • Characteristic facial appearance (seen in only some of the individuals)
    • Thin lips, small chin, thin nose, large eyes
  • Skin problems
    • Thin, translucent – can see veins easily
    • Easy bruising
    • Early onset varicose veins
    • Aged appearance, especially in hands
  • Joint problems
    • Hypermobility of small joints
    • Chronic subluxations/dislocations
    • Congenital hip dysplasia
  • Vascular
    • Arterial rupture
    • Intestinal rupture
    • Uterine rupture during pregnancy
    • Abnormal connections between arteries and veins