The facts presented on these pages were compiled as of October 2000 from the national headquarters of the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation in Los Angeles, California by Darlene A. Clarke, RN, MSN; Karen Skrocki Czerpak, RN; & Linda Newmann-Potash, RN, MN.

Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue which provides support to many body parts, such as the skin, muscles, and ligaments. The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein which acts as a "glue" in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue. There are six major types of EDS. The different types of EDS are classified according to their manifestations of signs and symptoms. Each type of EDS is a distinct disorder that "runs true" in a family. This means that an individual with Vascular Type EDS will not have a child with Classical Type EDS.

• CLASSICAL TYPE (Formerly EDS Types I & II)
  
  
• HYPERMOBILITY TYPE (Formerly EDS Type I)
  
  
• VASCULAR TYPE (Formerly EDS Type IV)
  
  
• KYPHOSCOLIOSIS TYPE (Formerly EDS Type VI)
  
  
• ARTHROCHALASIA TYPE (Formerly EDS Type VIIB)
  
  
• DERMATOSPARAXIS TYPE (Formerly EDS Type VIIC)
  
  
• OTHER TYPES OF EDS

CONCLUSION
This simplified classification system will facilitate an accurate diagnosis of Edhlers-Danlos syndrome and allow a clearer distinction of disorders that overlap with EDS. It is important to note that each type of EDS is distinct. If you have one type of EDS, you cannot develop another type. However, individuals with the same type of EDS may have slightly different manifestations because each of us is a unique person.

For more information, visit the National EDNF headquartered in Los Angeles CA.