Should a person with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome wear a medical ID bracelet?

Answer 1

Short answer: Yes. A person with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome should wear a medical ID bracelet.

Because an EDS patient is more prone to injury than the general population, chances are that you'll end up in the ER. When you find yourself in an emergency situation, the first responders and emergency room workers need to know that you have hypermobile joints, hyperelastic skin, and/or the risk of organ rupture. Techniques used to stabilize injuries, stitch/suture/glue lacerations, and generally manage your emergency condition may differ because of these features.

EDS patients also tend to respond differently to anesthesia than the general population. If a local anesthetic or even emergency surgery is needed, the anesthesiologist needs to know this. Anesthesiologists will also watch carefully to make sure that your jaw and neck don't get subluxed during intubation.

Sometimes, when presented with a child who has EDS, the easy bruising and joint subluxations/dislocations will make hospital staff or first responders suspect abuse.

If you live alone, a medical bracelet that provides emergency notification services can be invaluable. These services will contact your designated emergency contact as well as your primary care physician, as soon as they receive a call from a hospital or emergency service.