Do I Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

Take this quiz to assess for possible EDS symptoms.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is an inherited condition that affects the body's connective tissues. There are several types of EDS, but the most common types cause symptoms like very flexible joints, joint pain, stretchy or fragile skin, and easy bruising.

EDS is a rare condition, and some people with milder forms might not realize they have it until later in life. We've created this quiz to help you assess any possible signs or symptoms, so you can take any next steps that might be necessary. Hit "Start Quiz" to begin.

Disclaimer: This quiz is not a diagnostic tool and is not a replacement for professional medical advice. If you suspect you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, see a healthcare professional to assess your concerns.

An illustration showing 5 different tests for joint hyperextension, like pulling the thumb back.

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Questions Overview

1. Stand and straighten your legs completely. Do your knees hyperextend (bend backward) more than about 10°?
  1. Yes, they both do.
  2. Only one does.
  3. No, they don't.
2. Lay your palms flat on a table. Can you bend your pinky fingers back beyond 90°?
  1. Yes, I can bend both that far.
  2. I can only bend one that far.
  3. No, neither bends that far.
3. Can you bend your thumbs down to touch your forearm?
  1. Yes, I can do this on both sides.
  2. I can only do this on one side.
  3. Nope, I can't do this.
4. Hold your arms out to your sides and straighten them completely. Do your elbows hyperextend (bend backwards) beyond 10°?
  1. Yes, they both do.
  2. Only one does.
  3. No, they don't.
5. Can you bend forward and put your palms flat on the ground with your knees straight?
  1. Yes, I can do this.
  2. No, but I could when I was a kid.
  3. No, I can't do this and never could.
6. Do you consider yourself "double jointed"?
  1. Yes
  2. No
7. Have you ever had a dislocated joint before?
  1. Yes, I have frequent joint dislocations.
  2. I have had a dislocated joint, but only once.
  3. No, I have never had a dislocated joint.
8. Do you ever experience joint pain?
  1. Yes, all the time.
  2. Yes, but only once in a while.
  3. Nope, not really.
9. Does your skin bruise easily?
  1. Yes, it does.
  2. No, it doesn't.
10. Do you consider your skin extra stretchy or fragile?
  1. Yes, definitely.
  2. No, not really.
11. Does your skin feel super soft or velvety to the touch, beyond what's normal for other people?
  1. Yes, it does.
  2. No, I don't think so.
12. Does your skin break and scar easily?
  1. Yes, it does.
  2. No, it doesn't
13. Do you have any unexplained stretch marks on your skin, even without significant weight loss or gain?
  1. Yes, I have noticed this.
  2. I have stretch marks, but I have had significant weight loss or gain.
  3. No, I don't have any stretch marks.
14. Do you experience extreme tiredness (fatigue)?
  1. Yes, I do.
  2. No, I don't.

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What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of 13 inherited conditions that affect your connective tissues. These tissues provide support to your joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs, so EDS can have an impact on any of these areas of your body. There's no cure, but symptoms can usually be managed through lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and pain management.[1]


Main Types of EDS

  • Hypermobile EDS is the most common type. People with hEDS have very flexible joints that often feel very loose or unstable, and they may dislocate easily. Other symptoms include joint pain, clicking joints, fatigue, skin that bruises easily, digestive problems, dizziness, bladder control issues, and problems with internal organs.
  • Classical EDS is less common than hEDS, and it often affects the skin more. People with cEDS still experience joint hypermobility and loose joints, but they also have very fragile, stretchy skin that can split and bruise easily. The skin also feels very smooth or velvety to the touch, and wounds tend to be slow to heal, leaving wide scars.
  • Vascular EDS is a very rare type of EDS that's often considered the most serious. It affects the internal organs and blood vessels, which can lead to dangerous complications.[2]


Diagnosis

  • A medical doctor will diagnose EDS by discussing your medical history with you and performing a physical exam, where they'll assess for things like hypermobility, loose joints, and fragile, stretchy skin. For some types of EDS, a genetic test may be performed to assess for a change in a gene that causes the condition.[3]


Treatment

  • There is no specific treatment or cure for EDS, but symptoms can often be managed through methods such as physical therapy, pain relief, and/or blood pressure medication, and lifestyle changes.[4]

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Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125
  2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndromes/
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20362149
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20362149