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Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects many people with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS). If you or someone you know has HEDS, understanding why POTS is so common in this group and learning about the different types of POTS can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Diagram illustrating the autonomic nervous system involved in POTS Why POTS Is Common in People with HEDS HEDS is a connective tissue disorder characteriz

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) appears frequently in people with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). This connection puzzles many patients and healthcare providers. Understanding why MCAS is so common in hEDS can help those affected manage symptoms better and seek appropriate care. MCAS involves the inappropriate activation of mast cells, which are part of the immune system. These cells release chemicals like histamine that cause allergic and inflammatory react

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and blood vessels. While joint hypermobility and chronic pain are well-known symptoms, hEDS also influences the health and appearance of hair and nails. Understanding these effects can help individuals with hEDS manage their symptoms better and seek appropriate care. How hEDS Affects Hair Health Hair is made up of keratin, a protein suppor

Chronic inflammation is a hidden challenge for many people living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS). While HEDS is often recognized for its joint hypermobility and connective tissue issues, the ongoing inflammation that some patients experience can have far-reaching effects, including on brain function. Chronic inflammation in HEDS may contribute to cognitive decline later in life, what are signs to watch for, and ways to manage these symptoms. What Is Chronic I

Waking up every day feeling these flu-like symptoms can be exhausting and confusing, especially when there is no clear infection or illness causing it. For people with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS), this experience is unfortunately common. We wake up and often have to fight through these symptoms to be able to function through our day. Understanding why these symptoms occur and what triggers them can help manage daily life better and improve overall well-being. W

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects joint stability and causes widespread pain. Among the many complications associated with hEDS, Schmori nodes are an often overlooked but important factor. These small defects in the vertebrae can contribute to back pain and neurological symptoms in people with hEDS. What Are Schmori Nodes? Schmori nodes are small herniations of the intervertebral disc material into the vertebral body. They

Living with dysautonomia presents many challenges, especially when it comes to managing diet and overall health. One common concern is whether consuming a high sodium diet can increase the risk of developing renal calculi, or kidney stones. This question is particularly important because both dysautonomia and kidney stones affect the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. Understanding the connection between sodium intake, kidney stone formation , and dysautonomia can help pa

Atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, is a leading cause of heart disease worldwide. While inflammation plays a central role in the development of atherosclerosis, its connection to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is less well known. Understanding how inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis in hEDS patients can help improve awareness and management of cardiovascular risks in this group. What Is Atherosclerosis and How Does Inf

Occipital neuralgia is a painful condition that affects the nerves running from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp. For people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), this type of nerve pain can be especially challenging. Occipital neuralgia happens when the occipital nerves, which provide sensation to the back and top of the head, become irritated or compressed. This irritation causes sharp, shooting pain that often feels like electric shocks or stabbin

Digestive problems are a frequent and often overlooked challenge for people with Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). While hEDS is primarily known for its effects on joints and connective tissue, many individuals experience significant gastrointestinal symptoms that impact their daily lives. Understanding these digestive issues can help those affected manage symptoms better and seek appropriate care. Why Digestive Issues Occur in hEDS The digestive tract relies on c

If you live with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) , you already know that your joints tend to have a mind of their own. They bend too far, slip when they shouldn’t, and often leave you dealing with pain or instability. One joint that frequently gets caught up in the chaos is the knee —and more specifically, the patella , or kneecap. Among the knee issues seen in hEDS, patella alta (a high‑riding kneecap) is surprisingly common. But what does that actually mean, an

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects many people, but those with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS) may experience it differently. If you or someone you know has HEDS, understanding how bursitis relates to this condition can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. What Is Bursitis? Bursitis happens when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, become inflamed. These sacs reduce friction during movement

Living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) means managing a complex set of symptoms that affect connective tissues throughout the body. Among the many challenges faced by those with hEDS, spinal issues such as Tarlov cysts and spinal hemangiomas can add layers of difficulty. Understanding these conditions, their impact, and how to approach treatment can help individuals with hEDS make informed decisions about their health. What Are Tarlov Cysts and Spinal Hemangiom

Electric body buzzes are a common yet often misunderstood symptom experienced by many people with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS). These sensations can range from mild tingling to intense, electric-like shocks that disrupt daily activities and affect quality of life. Understanding what causes these electric body buzzes and how they influence everyday living is essential for those with HEDS. What Causes Electric Body Buzzes in HEDS? Several factors contribute to the

Living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) means managing a complex condition that affects connective tissues throughout the body. Among the many symptoms, some people with hEDS experience unexplained skin rashes and hives. These skin issues can be confusing and frustrating, especially when their cause is unclear. Skin rashes and hives in hEDS are often unexplained , meaning they do not have an obvious trigger like an allergy or infection. Several factors may cont

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders that affect connective tissues, leading to symptoms like joint hypermobility, skin elasticity, and fragile blood vessels. One of the less discussed but visually distinctive signs of EDS is the bluish tint seen in the sclera , the white part of the eye. What Is a Bluish Sclera? The sclera is the tough, white outer layer of the eyeball. Normally, it appears white because of its dense collagen fibers and the thin laye

Wix Media Living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) means facing a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing pain. Many people with hEDS experience persistent discomfort that can affect daily life and overall well-being. Understanding the common sources of pain in hEDS helps in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate care. Today we explore the main causes of pain in hEDS, including joint pain, subluxations and dislocations, muscular overc

Waking up with a headache can ruin your entire day. Many people struggle with this issue regularly, and the cause often goes unnoticed. One common but overlooked factor is how you sleep. Correct sleeping ergonomics can play a significant role in preventing morning headaches. This post explores how adjusting your sleep position , pillow choice, and mattress can help you wake up refreshed and headache-free. Why Do Morning Headaches Happen? Morning headaches can stem from vario

I woke up this morning with lower back pain, pelvic pressure, and difficulty emptying my bladder. For most people their mind would go to a uti. Not me, I have hEDS. My first thought, like so many of you was, oh no! My bladder prolapsed overnight! Unfortunately, with organ prolapse being significant in the hEDS community a bladder prolapse is not uncommon. Especially after hysterectomy, menopause, and/or child birth. Bladder prolapse, also known as cystocele, is a condition w

A blocked, popping, or pressure-filled ear can feel small from the outside and huge from the inside. For people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, ear symptoms may also overlap with dizziness, jaw tension, headaches, allergies, and neck instability, which can make the cause hard to pin down. I found this out the hard way the last time I flew with a sinus infection. When the plane was ascending my ears were filling with pressure, tinnitus, pain, and my ears would not "po