Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that often presents with one or more of the EDS Trifecta: mast cell activation syndromes, dysautonomia (dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system), and gut-brain disorders. As a result, people with EDS often bounce between medical specialties like gastroenterology, rheumatology, allergy, orthopedics, cardiology, and ophthalmology. 

This 5-hour course aims to remedy the gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of EDS. We’ll address key issues in EDS, including:

• The throughline that links most EDS symptoms and systems together
• Dysautonomia: disorders of the autonomic nervous system, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), breathing, swallowing, and speaking issues, heat intolerance, and blood vessel and venous return issues
• Mast Cell Activation Disorders, including mechanisms and treatments
• Gut-Brain Axis anomalies and intestinal barrier integrity, including IBS, motility issues, and mast cell-related activation
• The gut-muscle-immune axis and the importance of myokines to inflammation
• The link between EDS and neurodivergence, e.g., ADHD and neurodegenerative diseases like cerebellar ataxias
• Sensory processing in EDS, including interoception, proprioception, and vestibular function

We’ll discuss a range of somatic approaches to help regulate the nervous system, immune system, and gut-brain axis, and other key nodes of health in EDS. 

Participants will also receive an EDS Diagnostic Guide to EDS as a tool to help obtain the correct diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of related health issues.