How is ED diagnosed?
In some cases, ED is apparent at birth. In other cases, a parent or doctor may only begin to suspect that a problem exists when teeth fail to develop normally. The ED syndromes are diagnosed according to the pattern of affected parts of the body. In one type, for example, only the teeth and sweat glands may be affected; in another type, only the hair and nails may be affected. Ideally, the teeth, hair, nails, and sweat glands are all evaluated in order to make a diagnosis. Complex forms of ED may affect the development or function of other body structures, as well. There are no diagnostic laboratory tests currently available to test for ED. However, DNA studies can confirm a suspected diagnosis for several types of ED.
