Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

EDS is a genetic condition, usually inherited from a parent or close blood relative. The condition affects connective tissue throughout the body, meaning symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.

There are several recognised types of EDS, ranging from milder forms to more severe variants.

One of the more commonly recognised forms is hypermobile EDS (hEDS), which may involve:

• Hypermobile or unusually flexible joints
• Soft or stretchy skin
• Chronic pain or instability
• Increased tendency to bruise

More severe forms of EDS can affect blood vessels and internal tissues, potentially leading to serious medical complications.

EDS and Non-Accidental Injury Allegations

In the context of child protection and care proceedings, EDS can sometimes be relevant where a child presents with:

• Unexplained bruising
• Petechial haemorrhages
• Bleeding following minor trauma
• Injuries that appear disproportionate to the level of force involved

Where EDS is present, injuries may occur more easily than would normally be expected.

As awareness of EDS has increased, the condition is becoming more widely recognised as a potential contributory factor in some cases involving allegations of non-accidental injury.

How Is EDS Identified?

Consideration of EDS may arise through family medical history, physical examination, identification of hypermobility or skin abnormalities, and genetic or specialist medical assessment.

In some cases, medical experts may recommend referral to a geneticist, rheumatologist, haematologist, or connective tissue specialist.

This may help determine whether an underlying medical condition could explain injuries that might otherwise raise safeguarding concerns.

Why Medical Assessment Is Important

In cases involving bruising or unexplained injuries, it is important that all possible medical explanations are properly explored before conclusions are reached.

While EDS is relatively uncommon, certain forms – particularly hypermobile EDS – are increasingly recognised within family court proceedings and medical investigations involving alleged injuries to children.

A thorough medical assessment can be crucial in determining whether injuries may have occurred through minor accidental trauma, increased skin fragility, or an underlying connective tissue disorder – rather than deliberate harm.

Getting Legal Advice

Where allegations of non-accidental injury involve possible medical explanations such as EDS, specialist legal representation is essential.

Care proceedings involving medical evidence often require independent expert assessment, detailed review of medical records, consideration of family medical history and careful challenge of expert conclusions where appropriate.

Speak to a Care Proceedings Solicitor

If you are facing allegations involving unexplained bruising or injuries to your child, our experienced solicitors can provide clear advice and support throughout the process. Contact us today for confidential advice.