Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Mind + Body Medicine in Dallas, TX, is often seen as a beacon for patients with rare conditions that cause them to suffer pain that has not been adequately treated, often by several doctors. Dr. Howard Cohen has a unique understanding of the mechanisms behind pain that makes it possible for him to offer relief to patients with hard-to-treat conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Patients come to Mind + Body from all areas of Texas and neighboring states because they can trust Dr. Cohen to understand their frustrations and provide effective individualized treatment plans.
Find relief from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of 13 disorders that affect the body’s ability to produce collagen, which is the main building block of connective tissues. Patients with EDS suffer from defects or deficiencies in connective tissues that support various parts of the body, such as the joints, skin, bones, blood vessels, and organs.1 Basically, EDS affects the body’s production of collagen, which is the main building block of connective tissue. EDS is a result of a genetic mutation, but at this time the exact mutation behind each form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is unknown.2
The most common type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is hypermobile EDS, which occurs in roughly 1 in 5,000 people worldwide.
Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
There are 13 forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and many have unique symptoms. However there are certain symptoms that are more common:
- Joint hypermobility (joints that are excessively flexible, large range of joint motion)
- Very stretchy skin
- Loose skin with excess wrinkles and folds
- Skin that is pale, very soft, and doughy to the touch
- Skin that easily splits or tears
- Skin that bruises easily
- Unusual scarring
- Joints that dislocate easily
- Joint pain
- Joint clicking
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue3
Additional Ehlers-Danlos syndrome symptoms include:
- Fragile blood vessels and arteries, including the aorta
- Dizziness upon standing up
- Increased heart rate
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Urinary incontinence
- Heart problems including problems with the mitral valve
- Organ prolapse4
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Treatment Options
Treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is dependent on the patient’s type of EDS, the patient’s symptoms, and complications that arise from their condition. Patients with EDS often work with a team of medical professionals, each of whom is able to offer specialized treatment for specific concerns.
For hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome treatment may include medication and lifestyle modifications:
Medication for EDS
Unfortunately, pain is a common symptom amongst all forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Many patients come to Mind + Body already frustrated by a lifetime of inadequate pain relief. Dr. Cohen reviews these patients’ medication histories so that he can recommend appropriate medications. As a specialist in neuropsychopharmacology, Dr. Cohen has a keen understanding of how the body and the brain interact with medications, which informs his novel treatment of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. As a result, Dr. Cohen is often able to help patients with EDS find considerable relief from life-long complex pain.
Lifestyle Modifications for EDS
A common symptom amongst most EDS forms is joint hypermobility, which can increase the risk of joint dislocation. To limit the risk of joint damage or dislocation, patients are encouraged to limit activities such as contact sports, weightlifting, and strenuous exercise. Physical therapy is often an important part of managing EDS.
Ketamine Therapy for EDS
Ketamine infusions can help to ease the effects of a hypersensitive central nervous system that may amplify pain signals in patients suffering from EDS. Studies show that ketamine treatment for EDS patients with chronic pain can improve symptoms and reduce the need for opioid medications.5
Frequently Asked Questions About EDS
Can Ehlers-Danlos syndrome be prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the genetic mutations that lead to EDS.
What is the likelihood that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome will be passed on to my child?
Each form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is associated with different genetic mutations. If you or your partner has EDS, or if there is a history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in your family and you are interested in having children, it’s best to discuss heritability with a genetic counselor. The risk of passing hypermobile EDS, the most common form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, to a child is roughly 50%.6
What are potential complications of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
The most common complication of EDS is joint dislocation, which is frequently an issue in patients with hypermobile EDS. Complications of other, more rare forms of EDS may include blood vessel rupture, stroke, internal bleeding, heart problems, spine problems, problems with the corneas, and problems with the teeth and gums.
A serious complication of all forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is much more difficult to diagnose with a simple medical test. Patients with EDS often face significant psychological and social impacts. This can result from a sense of isolation from the rest of the world, and a main cause of depression related to EDS is a lack of effective medical treatment. Many patients with EDS struggle to find a doctor who can properly treat their pain, but working with an experienced neuropsychopharmacologist like Dr. Cohen can lead to a dramatic improvement in their quality-of-life.7
Contact Us
If you or someone you love suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, we understand that it can be difficult to remain hopeful after past poor experiences. However, Dr. Howard Cohen specializes in providing effective pain management for rare conditions like EDS that are historically resistant to traditional pain protocols. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen to learn more about how he may be able to help you find effective and lasting relief from your painful symptoms.
2 The Ehlers-Danlos Society. What is EDS? Available: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17813-ehlers-danlos-syndrome. Accessed October 18, 2023.
4 National Health System, UK. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndromes/. Accessed October 18, 2023.
5 Lo TC, Yeung ST, Lee S, Skavinski K, Liao S. Reduction of central neuropathic pain with ketamine infusion in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report. J Pain Res. 2016 Sep 15;9:683-687. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S110261. PMID: 27695362; PMCID: PMC5029839.
6 Mayo Clinic. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125#. Accessed October 18, 2023.
7 Miklovic T, Sieg VC. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549814/. Accessed October 18, 2023.