Bendy Bit: Is a Diagnosis Necessary? with Linda Bluestein, MD

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein discusses the importance of obtaining a proper diagnosis for hypermobility disorders such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). She outlines common reasons why these conditions are often misdiagnosed, including a perceived lack of cure, clinician inexperience, and an overarching focus on symptom management rather than root causes. Despite these challenges, Dr. Bluestein argues that a correct diagnosis is crucial for validation, broadening access to care, facilitating research, and improving symptomatic management. Though no FDA-approved drugs exist for hEDS or HSD, effective strategies for symptom relief are available, offering hope for better patient outcomes. Dr. Bluestein emphasizes that diagnosis enables access to specialists and therapies, which can significantly enhance quality of life for patients.