Headaches in hypermobility syndromes: A pain in the neck?

Treating pain in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome : Multidisciplinary management of a multisystemic disease

BACKGROUND

The clinical picture of people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) is complex and involves a variety of potential causes of pain. This poses major challenges to patients and healthcare professionals alike in terms of diagnosis and management of the condition.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the article was to provide an overview of the specific pain management needs of patients with EDS and address their background.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A selective literature search was performed to highlight the current state of research on pain management in EDS patients.

RESULTS

Affected patients require multimodal pain management considering their individual needs, disease-specific features, and comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Medical awareness and evidence need to be further improved to enhance the medical care situation of these patients with complex needs.

Evaluation and management of orthostatic headache in hypermobility disorders

Headache is a frequent symptom among patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders. This mini review focuses specifically on a challenging aspect of headache evaluation in all patients, but especially those with hypermobility - the orthostatic headache. While the differential for an orthostatic headache is overall limited, patients with hypermobility disorders have risk factors for all of the most commonly encountered orthostatic headache disorders. The most common conditions to produce orthostatic headaches are discussed - spontaneous intracranial hypotension, cervicogenic headache, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Less common etiologies of orthostatic headache pertinent to any patient are presented in table format.

Application of biomechanical principles to upper cervical spine anatomy to alleviate symptoms of intermittent cranial nerve IX irritation. Directions for successful self-management of headache post-concussion? A case series

BACKGROUND

The neck has been implicated as a potential generator of symptoms such as dizziness and headache in individuals with persistent symptoms post concussion. Anatomically, the neck could also be a potential trigger for autonomic or cranial nerve symptoms. The glossopharyngeal nerve which innervates the upper pharynx is one possible autonomic trigger that might be affected by the upper cervical spine.

CASE DESCRIPTION

This is a case series of three individuals with persistent post-traumatic headache (PPTH) and symptoms of autonomic dysregulation who also had signs of intermittent glossopharyngeal nerve irritation associated with certain neck positions or movements. Biomechanical principles were applied to anatomical research on the path of the glossopharyngeal nerve, in relation to the upper cervical spine and the dura mater, to alleviate these intermittent symptoms. The patients were provided techniques to be used as tools to immediately alleviate the intermittent dysphagia, which also alleviated the constant headache at the same time. As part of the overall long-term management program, patients were also taught daily exercises to improve upper cervical and dural stability and mobility.

OUTCOME

The result was a decrease in intermittent dysphagia, headache, and autonomic symptoms in the long term in persons with PPTH following concussion.

DISCUSSION

Autonomic and dysphagia symptoms may provide clues as to the origin of symptoms in a subgroup of individuals with PPTH.

Dysautonomia, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome as Migraine Comorbidities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Dysautonomia refers to the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and encompasses a wide variety of autonomic symptoms and disorders. The most common autonomic disorders are postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), and orthostatic hypotension (OH), which may be encountered in clinical practice as part of a triad of dysautonomia, hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Migraine is one of the most common comorbidities of POTS, HSD, and MCAS; conversely, these conditions are also prevalent in patients with migraine, especially in those with multiple systemic symptoms, such as chronic dizziness, lightheadedness, orthostatic intolerance, joint pain, and allergic symptoms. Diagnostic criteria, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and therapeutic considerations in patients with migraine and comorbid dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Numerous studies indicate a significant overlap and shared pathophysiology in migraine, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS. In clinical setting, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in patients with migraine and require a high index of suspicion on the part of the neurologist. Diagnosis and treatment of these complex disorders in patients with migraine is essential to comprehensive patient-centric care, reduced symptom burden, and improved functional impairment secondary to both migraine and comorbidities.

Habituation deficit of visual evoked potentials in migraine patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Objectives

Migraine is one of the most frequent clinical manifestations of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). The comorbidity between these two diseases has been only partially investigated. We aimed to observe whether neurophysiological alterations described in migraineurs in visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were present in hEDS patients with migraine.

Methods

We enrolled 22 hEDS patients with migraine (hEDS) and 22 non-hEDS patients with migraine (MIG), with and without aura (according to ICHD-3), as well as 22 healthy controls (HC). Repetitive pattern reversal (PR)-VEPs were recorded in basal conditions in all participants. During uninterrupted stimulation, 250 cortical responses were recorded (4,000 Hz sample rate) and divided into epochs of 300 ms after the stimulus. Cerebral responses were divided into five blocks. The habituation was calculated as the slope interpolating the amplitudes in each block, for both the N75-P100 and P100-N145 components of PR-VEP.

Results

We observed a significant habituation deficit of the P100-N145 component of PR-VEP in hEDS compared to HC (p = 0.002), unexpectedly more pronounced than in MIG. We observed only a slight habituation deficit of N75-P100 in hEDS, with a slope degree that was intermediate between MIG and HC.

Discussion

hEDS patients with migraine presented an interictal habituation deficit of both VEPs components like MIG. Pathophysiological aspects underlying the pathology could account for the peculiar pattern of habituation in hEDS patients with migraine characterized by a pronounced habituation deficit in the P100-N145 component and a less clear-cut habituation deficit in the N75-P100 component with respect to MIG.

The concomitant diagnosis of fibromyalgia and connective tissue disorders: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anecdotally, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and connective tissue disorders (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum disorders (HSD) and Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH)) manifest overlap in their diagnostic approach and symptomatic features. Understanding this overlap is important for accurate diagnosis and the success of subsequent management. This study therefore aimed to identify the prevalence of concomitant diagnosis of FMS and hEDS/HSD/GJH in adults and their shared symptomatic manifestations using a systematic review.

METHODS

MEDLINE (via EBSCO host) was systematically searched. Observational research (case-control or single group) studies were considered for inclusion, where adults screened for hEDS/HSD/GJH and FMS were compared in terms of diagnostic prevalence, and musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal manifestations. Studies on pediatric populations were excluded. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment of Case-Control Studies and Jonna Briggs Critical Appraisal checklist for prevalence studies. The review was registered prospectively in PROSPERO (CRD42020216283).

FINDINGS

The review included eleven studies: nine case-control studies and two single group studies. The prevalence of concomitant diagnosis of hEDS/HSD and FMS ranged from 68%-88.9% and from 8.0 to 64.2% for GJH and FMS. The prevalence and severity of a range of objective and patient-reported features were similar between hEDS/HSD and FMS, including joint pain (duration, persistence, SF-36-pain component score); joint swelling; muscle weakness; neurological problems; multidimensional pain inventory-activity; dysautonomia and total autonomic symptoms burden (including orthostatic intolerance, reflex syncope, vasomotor, gastrointestinal, diarrhea, constipation and pupillomotor domains); function; and quality of life. Shared symptomatic features between GJH and FMS were mean pain level, tender points count, total myalgia score and psychological impact.

INTERPRETATION

There may be overlapping symptomatology and diagnostic prevalence of FMS and hEDS/HSD/GJH. Clinicians should consider both diagnoses to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management.

Presentation and physical therapy management of upper cervical instability in patients with symptomatic generalized joint hypermobility: International expert consensus recommendations

Experts in symptomatic generalized joint hypermobility (S-GJH) agree that upper cervical instability (UCI) needs to be better recognized in S-GJH, which commonly presents in the clinic as generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. While mild UCI may be common, it can still be impactful; though considerably less common, severe UCI can potentially be debilitating. UCI includes both atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial instability. In the absence of research or published literature describing validated tests or prediction rules, it is not clear what signs and symptoms are most important for diagnosis of UCI. Similarly, healthcare providers lack agreed-upon ways to screen and classify different types or severity of UCI and how to manage UCI in this population. Consequently, recognition and management of UCI in this population has likely been inconsistent and not based on the knowledge and skills of the most experienced clinicians. The current work represents efforts of an international team of physical/physiotherapy clinicians and a S-GJH expert rheumatologist to develop expert consensus recommendations for screening, assessing, and managing patients with UCI associated with S-GJH. Hopefully these recommendations can improve overall recognition and care for this population by combining expertise from physical/physiotherapy clinicians and researchers spanning three continents. These recommendations may also stimulate more research into recognition and conservative care for this complex condition.

[Neurological aspects of connective tissue dysplasia]

Disturbances in the formation of connective tissue lead to significant pathological changes in both individual organs and tissues, and at the organismal level. The complexity of diagnostics is also connected with the fact that there is no single terminology, a single view of the diagnostic criteria, a single approach among doctors of different specialties. The prevalence of external phenotypic signs of connective dysplasia is quite high, which can lead to overdiagnosis. On the other hand, insufficient attention to the manifestations of dysplasia can lead to delayed diagnosis, which can cause adverse complications. The most studied are clinical manifestations in dysplastic changes in the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system. This article provides an overview of current data on changes in the nervous system. Sufficient attention was paid to the pathology of the nervous system in differentiated forms (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos, etc.). Currently, the role of various vascular anomalies, aneurysms associated with undifferentiated forms of connective tissue dysplasia is widely discussed. Much attention is also paid to clinical manifestations of the autonomic nervous system: sympathicotonic manifestations predominate in connective tissue dysplasia. There is evidence of an association of headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and connective tissue dysplasia in both children and adults.

An investigation of body awareness, fatigue, physical fitness, and musculoskeletal problems in young adults with hypermobility spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) is associated with excessive joint range of motion and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine body awareness, physical fitness parameters, fatigue levels, and musculoskeletal disorders in young adults with HSD and compare them with those without HSD.

METHODS

Young individuals in the age range of 18-24 years were included in the study. Joint hypermobility of individuals was determined by the Beighton Score. Evaluations were made using the Body Awareness Questionnaire, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 94 healthy individuals (74 females, 20 males, mean age 21.44 years, SD ± 1.19 years), 47 with HSD and 47 without HSD, were included in the study. It was concluded that body awareness and fatigue levels were similar in two groups (p > 0.05). When physical fitness parameters were examined, there was a significant difference between the two groups in Sit and Reach test and the dominant side grip strength (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the neck, back, dominant wrist, and total musculoskeletal problems (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that young individuals with HSD had more flexibility, lower grip strength, more pain especially in the neck and back region, and more musculoskeletal disorders in general. Joint hypermobility is a factor to be considered in evaluating functional performance in these individuals.

Association of mast-cell-related conditions with hypermobile syndromes: a review of the literature

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of related connective tissue disorders consisting of 13 subtypes, each with its own unique phenotypic and genetic variation. The overlap of symptoms and multitude of EDS variations makes it difficult for patients to achieve a diagnosis early in the course of their disease. The most common form, hypermobile type EDS (hEDS) and its variant, hypermobile spectrum disorder (HSD), are correlated with rheumatologic and inflammatory conditions. Evidence is still needed to determine the pathophysiology of hEDS; however, the association among these conditions and their prevalence in hEDS/HSD may be explained through consideration of persistent chronic inflammation contributing to a disruption of the connective tissue. Aberrant mast cell activation has been shown to play a role in disruption of connective tissue integrity through activity of its mediators including histamine and tryptase which affects multiple organ systems resulting in mast cell activation disorders (MCAD). The overlap of findings associated with MCAD and the immune-mediated and rheumatologic conditions in patients with hEDS/HSD may provide an explanation for the relationship among these conditions and the presence of chronic inflammatory processes in these patients. It is clear that a multidisciplinary approach is required for the treatment of patients with EDS. However, it is also important for clinicians to consider the summarized symptoms and MCAD-associated characteristics in patients with multiple complaints as possible manifestations of connective tissue disorders, in order to potentially aid in establishing an early diagnosis of EDS.

Cardiovascular manifestations of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders

Introduction: Mitral valve prolapse and aortic root dilatation are reported in association with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), but the full phenotypic spectrum of cardiovascular complications in this condition has not been studied in the aftermath of updated nosology and diagnostic criteria. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 258 patients (> 94% adults) referred to a multidisciplinary clinic for evaluation of joint hypermobility between January 2017 and December 2020 and diagnosed with hEDS or a hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) to determine the incidence and spectrum of cardiovascular involvement. Results: Mitral valve prolapse was present in 7.5% and thoracic aortic dilatation in 15.2%. Aortic dilatation was more frequent in individuals with hEDS (20.7%) than with HSD (7.7%) and similarly prevalent between males and females, although was mild in > 90% of females and moderate-to-severe in 50% of males. Five individuals (1.9%) with hEDS/HSD had extra-aortic arterial involvement, including cervical artery dissection (CeAD, n = 2), spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD, n = 2), and SCAD plus celiac artery pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). This is the first series to report the prevalence of CeAD and SCAD in hEDS/HSD. Conclusions: Cardiovascular manifestations in adults with hEDS/HSD, especially females, are typically mild and readily assessed by echocardiography. Since the risk of progression has not yet been defined, adults with hEDS/HSD who are found to have aortic dilatation at baseline should continue ongoing surveillance to monitor for progressive dilatation. Cardiovascular medicine specialists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons should consider hEDS/HSD on the differential for patients with CeAD or SCAD who also have joint hypermobility.

Considerations for lactation with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a narrative review

Background

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic connective tissue condition that is poorly understood in relation to lactation. As diagnostic methods improve, prevalence has increased. EDS, a disorder that impacts connective tissue, is characterized by skin extensibility, joint hypermobility, and fragile tissue which can affect every organ and body system leading to complications during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Traits of this disease can cause mild to severe physiologic and functional obstacles during lactation. Unfortunately, there is little clinical evidence and minimal guidance for lactation management, and providers may feel uncomfortable and hesitant to address these concerns with patients due to a lack of readily available resources on the subject and inexperience with such patients. This narrative review describes and discusses the types of EDS, identifying symptoms, considerations, and precautions for care providers to implement during lactation and breastfeeding.

Methods

An electronic search of relevant citations was conducted using the databases Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar from 1 January 2000 to 1 November 2021. Search terms used were Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Hypermobility Syndrome, breastfeeding, lactation, breastmilk expression, breastmilk collection, human milk expression, human milk collection, and infant feeding. The search of these databases yielded zero results. As no research articles on EDS were directly related to lactation, this narrative review includes articles found that related to the health of mothers relevant to maternal function during lactation.

Discussion

For the healthcare provider, identifying characteristics of EDS can improve the management of lactation challenges. Mothers may experience generalized symptoms from gastrointestinal distress to fatigue or chronic pain, while they also may suffer from more specific joint complaints and injuries, such as dislocations / subluxations, or skin fragility. Such obstacles can generate impediments to breastfeeding and create unique challenges for breastfeeding mothers with EDS.

Unfortunately, new mothers with these symptoms may have them overlooked or not addressed, impacting a mother’s ability to meet her breastfeeding intentions. While there are some published research manuscripts on EDS and pregnancy, there is a lack of information regarding breastfeeding and lactation. Additional research is needed to help guide EDS mothers to achieve their breastfeeding intentions.

Overlap between irritable bowel syndrome and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: An unexplored clinical phenotype?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common, but its cause remains unknown. IBS patients present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal pain with altered bowel habits; however, some patients also have non-GI symptoms including muscle and joint pains. It is thus plausible that within large IBS cohorts, subgroups exist with distinct clinical phenotypes. Yet, these subgroups have not been clearly identified or characterized. Due to lack of segmentation, treatment-focused symptomatic management is similar for all with IBS and follows indiscriminate algorithms regardless of possible differing clinical phenotype. This universal approach to IBS management may account for the reported lack of efficacy of treatment. One emerging subgroup receiving increasing attention is that with overlap IBS and the underlying heritable connective tissue disorder, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Current evidence suggests that up to 62% of patients with hEDS suffer from IBS. However, despite recognition of the presence of IBS in hEDS, this overlap IBS/hEDS group has not been characterized and these patients are managed in a similar way to those with IBS alone. Future studies are required to characterize and deep phenotype in this overlap IBS/hEDS group.

Practical management strategies for benign hypermobility syndromes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with symptomatic hypermobility syndrome such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) commonly present to rheumatologists with joint pain and functional disability. Providers often have difficulty with diagnosis due to a lack of knowledge on the range of associated manifestations and the available therapeutic modalities. This review will discuss recent updates on diagnostic measures and treatment options for rheumatologists to help patients navigate hEDS/HSD.

RECENT FINDINGS

This article describes newer diagnostic measures and assessment of hEDS/HSD manifestations. Evidence supporting physical therapy and occupational therapy is provided, as well as recent updates on assistive devices, compressive garments, orthoses, and surgical interventions. Given patient heterogeneity specific guidance about the amount and type of therapies required to produce a beneficial effect is lacking. Treatment should be individualized, and many of the studies focus on regional joint complaints rather than a whole-body approach.

SUMMARY

Physical therapy and occupational therapy remain the cornerstone of treatment.

Is there a relationship between sagittal cervical spine mobility and generalised joint hypermobility? A cross-sectional study of 1000 healthy Australians

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim was to determine the association between sagittal cervical mobility and the presence and extent of GJH across the lifespan. Secondary aims were to determine which features explain variability in cervical range of motion (CROM) and to establish the sagittal cervical hypermobile range in both genders across the lifespan.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study. Spearman's rho determined the relationship between presence and extent of GJH and CROM, age, gender and ethnicity. Multiple regression identified the factors explaining variability in CROM. The hypermobile CROM was identified as the upper 5% of flexion, extension and combined ranges for age and gender.

SETTING

University laboratory in Sydney Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand healthy individuals, aged 3-101 years.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Cervical active range of motion was assessed using an inclinometer, extent of and presence of generalised joint hypermobility were assessed using the Beighton scoring system and age- and gender-specific criteria respectively.

RESULTS

CROM correlated positively with GJH (Beighton score as a continuous or dichotomous age and gender specific variable) (rho=0.12-0.50; p < 0.001) and negatively with age (rho=0.54; p < 0.001). Age, gender and extent of GJH (Beighton as a continuous score) accounted for 19 to 51% of variability in CROM. Cut-offs for cervical hypermobility were calculated across the lifespan.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased sagittal CROM was observed in individuals identified with GJH. Extension CROM decreased with age more than flexion; the greatest loss in the second and third decades. CROM screening is warranted for patients identified with GJH and for rehabilitation goal-setting.

The challenges of chronic pain and fatigue

In this review, we explore the challenges of chronic pain and fatigue in clinical practice. Both pain and fatigue are common, troubling and frequently overlapping symptoms, and we describe both the clinical burden and the 'clinical problem'. We explore commonly associated symptoms and possible pathological associations, including variant connective tissue (joint hypermobility), small fibre neuropathy, mast cell activation, dysregulated inflammatory and interoceptive processes, which may inform treatment targets. We suggest a multidisciplinary management approach.