2017 Hypermobility Plenary Session

This session from the 2017 Ehlers-Danlos Society conference focuses on the revised diagnostic criteria for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Dr. Howard Levy discusses the rationale behind making the new criteria more specific to enable better research into the genetic causes of hEDS. The changes aim to reduce false positives by tightening criteria, potentially leading to some individuals no longer fitting the hEDS diagnosis. Dr. Tony Klein addresses how these criteria apply differently in children, noting challenges due to the evolving nature of symptoms in pediatric cases. He also highlights management strategies for common symptoms. Dr. Clare Frank Amano discusses the classification of hypermobility spectrum disorders as distinct from hEDS for those who do not meet the new criteria. The session also addresses common questions from the audience, such as the effects of puberty, exercise recommendations, and pain management strategies.