Treatment Options For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Blood Pressure Medication

Certain types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome cause blood vessel fragility. Blood pressure medication might be prescribed to ensure blood pressure does not get elevated. Every time the heart beats, blood is sent through the arteries, and as blood pressure increases, this heightens the force at which blood is pushed through. If a blood vessel is weakened and the force of blood through it is elevated, it can increase the risk of the vessel rupturing. The exact drugs used depend on the patient, their blood pressure numbers, other medical issues, and any other medication they are taking. These drugs are typically taken daily, and patients are also sometimes advised to follow a diet to control blood pressure. Doctors might suggest patients get a blood pressure device, so they can also keep an eye on their numbers at home.

Continue to learn about surgery as an option for treating this condition.

Surgery

Repeated dislocations may cause joint damage over time that requires surgery to be repaired. The procedure needed depends on the affected joint and the level of damage. For repairs, arthroscopic procedures may be considered. Hardware may be placed to add stability to especially unstable joints. If damage to certain joints is very severe, doctors might discuss total joint replacement with their patients. Patients with the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who experience a blood vessel rupture typically require surgery to repair it, which may be done under emergency circumstances. The rupture severity and the exact vessel affected determine the surgical technique used. Due to the skin issues many patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome experience, it is generally suggested that stitches not be used to close surgical incisions. Instead, patients may benefit more from closing incisions with either tape or staples.

Continue for more on treating Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.