Is EDS A Disability?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can I Get For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? The answer is that Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

can be a disabling condition

, depending on how it presents. EDS is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues and causing an array of serious physical problems, ranging from joint pain to cardiovascular issues.

Does Ehlers-Danlos qualify for disability?

Just having a diagnosis of Ehlers-

Danlos is not enough to obtain an award of

. Your attorney must work with your doctor to document not only the medical details of your Ehlers-Danlos, but also the functional impairments that it causes.

Is EDS a chronic illness?

“Chandelier” singer Sia has revealed she has a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that

results in chronic pain

. The disease affects 1 in 5,000 people globally. It causes hypermobile joints, loose, stretchy skin, and ongoing fatigue, which makes someone more prone to injury and chronic pain.

What is the life expectancy of someone with EDS?

People affected by vascular EDS have a

median life expectancy of 48 years

and many will have a major event by age 40. The lifespan of people with the kyphoscoliosis form is also decreased, largely due to the vascular involvement and the potential for restrictive lung disease.

Does EDS get worse with age?

The most common types of EDS (classical, classical-like, and hypermobile

Does EDS affect teeth?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)

can adversely impact upon the function

of the mouth and in turn potentially lessen quality of life. While many people with EDS not have any notable oral problems specifically due to EDS, this connective tissue disorder

What does EDS pain feel like?

I was asked recently to describe what my body feels with EDS. I described the feeling of

being tenderized with a mallet all over my body

. Not enough to break bones, but hard enough to leave bruises. This is my daily experience even with the aid of pain meds.

Can you live a full life with EDS?


EDS cannot be ‘cured'

but many people learn over time how to control it and live full and active lives. The day-to-day management of most types of EDS is based around the right kind of exercise, physiotherapy and pacing. In addition you should seek referrals for any associated conditions you may have.

Does EDS reduce life expectancy?

Patients with the classical and hypermobility forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have a

normal life expectancy

. About 80% of patients with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome will experience a major health event by age 40 and the life expectancy is shortened, with an average age of death of 48 years.

At what age is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnosed?

The age at first diagnosis peaked in the age group

5–9 years for men and 15–19 years for women

(see figure 2). There was a significant difference of 8.5 years in the mean age of diagnosis between men and women (95% CI: 7.70 to 9.22): 9.6 years in EDS (95% CI: 6.85 to 12.31) and 8.3 years in JHS (95% CI: 7.58 to 9.11).

Will I end up in a wheelchair with EDS?

Some patients with EDS

may require specialized mobility devices

, such as a wheelchair or a scooter, and a walker, crutches or a cane for mobility. However, care should be taken so that joints and other areas of the body affected by the disease are not injured by shifting weight when, say, walking with a cane or crutch.

Does EDS make you look older?

Due to the collagen in the skin being extra stretchy, many EDS patients experience a lack of wrinkles as they age. This collagen may help EDS patients look younger and can also cause skin to feel extremely soft.

Does anyone famous have Ehlers-Danlos?

Australian singer/songwriter Sia (born Sia Kate Isobelle Furler), 43, is known for wearing elaborate wigs and headpieces that hide her face. However, the “Chandelier” singer is not hiding the fact that she

was recently diagnosed with the connective tissue disorder

Does EDS affect the eyes?

Ophthalmological abnormalities in EDS include but

are not limited to myopia, retinal detachment and glaucoma

. Some of these can be vision-threatening. An optometrist or ophthalmologist should establish a comprehensive baseline for a person with EDS, including a complete eye exam and history.

Can hypermobility affect teeth?

Various types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes can affect the teeth, gums and other oral structures. Hypermobility of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint can

result in dislocations, facial and head pain

.

Can you have a mild form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?


It can be mild

and is probably often undiagnosed. However many people with hEDS have significant or even severe pain and disability. The main symptoms of hEDS are stretchy skin (which is not fragile but which may heal slowly) and unusually flexible joints. Many people with hEDS have tiredness, pain and mood changes.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.