EDS Anatomy
Collagen Deficiency begins in the DNA, and leads to anatomical difficulties. Here are some examples, though every case differs.
Here is a medical article overviewing EDS and its many manifestations.
Gene mutations are to blame for EDS and its effect on collagen. Damaged collagen begins at a cellular level. Some EDS types know which genes are affected, others do not. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and there are 27 different types. In the six different types of EDS, specific collagen types are effected differently. Some are known, some are not. Cross-over symptoms can exist between types, as well. This leads to multi-system involvement, and secondary conditions called comorbidities. (Here is a list) When the most information is known about each individual case, better treatment options can be found.
Because of its' genetic roots, there is a 50% chance it will be passed along to offspring. The disease varies from case to case, so it could be passed as a more mild case than the patient is experiencing, or as a more severe form.
Those who didn't inherit it have what is known as a de novo gene mutation.
There are many coexisting conditions that are found alongside EDS. They can be instrumental in whole body involvement, as well. Click here for a comprehensive, though incomplete list of possible comorbidities. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is one example of another medical issue that involves multiple systems in the body.
Muscular System Involvement:
Damaged collagen leads to laxity and loss of elasticity in ligaments, tendons, and fascia. This puts undue strain on the muscles, which then try to hold the bodies' structure instead of merely making the body move. Chronic all-over body pain is a common occurence in EDS, often due to muscle and fascia microtears, especially in the hypermobile type.
Organ prolapse is also a possibility with loosened, rigid fascia.
Skeletal System Involvement:
A skeletal system with damaged collagen does not support, protect, or maintain our bodies as it should. Bones lacking in collagen are more apt to become dry and brittle. They may break more easily than a normal bone. Ligaments and tendons stretch instead of holding muscles in place, as well. Joints held in abnormal positions commonly develop osteoarthritis.
Circulatory System Involvement:
Damaged collagen in hollow organs leads to floppy veins and dysregulated blood flow. It is common for EDS patients to have low blood volume, high or low blood pressure, and high or low heart rate. Heart valves may have irregularities, as well.
Nervous System Involvement:
Chronic pain can rewrite neuropathways in the body and brain. Floppy veins and weakened structure can lead to brain fog due to lack of oxygen flowing to the brain. Patients can also suffer from peripheral neuropathy, dysautonomia (POTS being a common form), and other dysfunctions of the nervous system. Ocular involvement is usually mild to moderate, if at all, and should be monitored and treated, accordingly.
Lymphatic (Immune) System Involvement:
EDS patients commonly have lower immune system function. This could be due to lack of sleep, and/or a result of undue stress on the body from multi-system involvement. Mast Cell Activation Disorder is a common comorbid condition with EDS, as well. It can effect every part of the body in allergic and inflammatory conditions. Medical Research is currently finding the effects of inflammation that may keep the lymphatic system from working properly, which can lead to a myriad of medical issues.
Respiratory System Involvement:
Lack of elasticity in the connective tissues contributes to lower capacity for inhaling and exhaling. This has a direct effect on the supply of oxygen to the blood, which has an effect on the rest of the body.
Endocrine System Involvement:
Hormones and collagen go hand in hand- as we age and produce less hormones, a side effect is loss of collagen. An EDS patient has damaged collagen to begin with. Lack of any hormone can lead to lack of homeostasis in any part of the body. Hypoglycemia and/or diabetes are common in EDS patients.
Digestive System Involvement:
The digestive system involves many hollow organs throughout the body, which become permeable due to damaged collagen. Ligaments and muscles can be disrupted, as well. This leads to a slower moving system with gastroparesis, slower moving intestines, and slow colon transit. Nutrient deficiency is common, and chronic inflammation can appear along any part of this system. Nausea, vomiting and feeding tubes can be a common occurrence. Keep an eye out for Mast Cell involvement here, also.
Excretory System Involvement:
Damaged collagen effects smooth muscles and hollow organs. Flexibility of the bladder is important for filling and emptying. Urine stored in a non-empty bladder because of what is known as an EDS bladder (stretched and floppy) can lead to UTI's, bladder infections, OAB (Over Active Bladder), neurogenic bladder, and kidney infections.
Reproductive System Involvement:
Smooth muscles and hollow organs are also involved in the reproductive system- especially in women. Pelvic organ prolapse is common in EDS patients, and uterine rupture can be a possiblity. Some women find it difficult to become or stay pregnant.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is a common coexisting condition that can also effect multiple systems in the body.
