Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

Overview

• hEDS is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility and other systemic symptoms.
• It affects individuals differently, and not all symptoms are present in every individual.

Musculoskeletal System

• Joint Hypermobility: Greater range of motion in joints.
• Joint Instability: Leads to subluxations, dislocations, and sprains.
• Pain: Chronic and acute joint and muscle pain.
• Sprains and Strains: Result from stretching or tearing of ligaments and tendons.
• Osteoarthritis: Can occur earlier due to increased joint wear.
• Arm Span-to-Height Ratio: Some have a ratio ≥ 1.05.

Skin

• Hyperextensibility: Skin stretches beyond normal range.
• Easy Bruising & Fragility: Prone to bruises and tears.
• Soft, Velvety Skin: Noticeable in many individuals.
• Poor Wound Healing & Atrophic Scars: Slow healing and sunken scars.
• Stretch Marks: Present without weight changes or pregnancy.
• Resistance to Local Anesthetics: Less effective in some individuals.

Nervous System

• Dysautonomia: Autonomic dysfunction causing symptoms like tachycardia and hypotension.
• Reduced Proprioception: Affects balance and coordination.
• Neuropathic Pain: Chronic nerve pain.
• Nerve Entrapment & Small Fiber Neuropathy: Causes pain and numbness in extremities.
• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension & CSF Leaks: Causes headaches and other neurological symptoms.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression causing neck/shoulder pain.

Spine

• Scoliosis & Kyphosis: Abnormal spine curvatures.
• Craniocervical and Atlantoaxial Instability: Causes headaches, neck pain, and neurological symptoms.
• Chiari I Malformation & Tethered Cord Syndrome: Affects brain/spinal cord function.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Due to joint wear.

Head

• Fatigue & Sleep Issues: Chronic tiredness and sleep disorders.
• Headaches & Lightheadedness: Various causes including tension and dysautonomia.
• Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.

Mouth and Throat

• High/Narrow Palate & Dental Crowding: Affects oral structure.
• TMJ Dysfunction & Voice Disturbance: Joint and vocal issues.
• Swallowing Difficulties: Known as dysphagia.

Eyes

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects.

Cardiovascular System

• Tachycardia: Fast heart rate due to dysautonomia.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse & Aortic Root Dilation: Heart-related structural issues.

Gastrointestinal System

• Dysmotility: Affects food movement through the digestive system.
• GERD & Gastroparesis: Causes reflux and delayed stomach emptying.
• IBS & Other Symptoms: Includes nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Hernia & Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes: Structural issues causing pain and other symptoms.

Pelvic Organs

• Voiding Dysfunction & Incontinence: Urinary control issues.
• Prolapse & Dyspareunia: Pelvic organ and pain issues.
• Menstrual Issues: Painful and heavy periods.

Immune System

• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Inflammatory and allergic responses.

Hands

• Arachnodactyly: Long, slender fingers.

Feet

• Piezogenic Papules: Painful fat bumps on heels.

Pregnancy

• Symptom Changes: Worsening pain, instability, dysautonomia, and MCAS.
• Increased Bleeding & Fast Labor: Due to tissue fragility and other factors.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the symptoms and systems affected by hEDS. Always seek professional medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.