About this event
- Date and time Fri 11 Jul 2025 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Location Royal Society of Medicine
- Organised by Rheumatology and Rehabilitation
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the links between Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH), hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (hEDS) and the closely related Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), with post-COVID health complications, henceforth described as hypermobility. We will explore the concept of “Bendy-Brain”, linking Hypermobility with multi-organ involvement (gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular, autonomic nervous system, neurodivergence, and brain) in susceptible patients. Please scroll down to view the full agenda.
We will learn about the genetics, immunology, and cytokine cascades, MCAS, and resulting dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, GI tract, and multiple organs. The impact and importance of co-occurring neurodivergent conditions is also discussed, and the wider implications for health and education. We learn how to treat the histamine overload and dysautonomia and the resulting escalation of chronic fatigue and pain/fibromyalgia with new treatments. We also look at spike protein retention and how this might be the ultimate trigger. We will explore recent research on the origins and exacerbation of these widespread, persistent health issues, alongside potential solutions to restore patients’ well-being.
COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted patients with hypermobility conditions. hEDS / HSD is a heritable connective tissue disorder with weakened proteins like collagen found throughout the body. We ascertain that around 20% of the UK population, 14 million people, are susceptible to injury or illness due to having symptomatic hypermobility.
Recent studies show that those with GJH as a risk factor and already with it are 30% less likely to recover from COVID-19 infection. Post-COVID, we can still see the ongoing 'fall out' of hypermobile and neurodivergent patients. Particularly young, working-age people are rendered disabled and more women are affected than men.
This is a must-attend event for medical professionals, researchers, policy makers, educators, and patient advocates seeking to enhance their understanding of hypermobility and its complex interplay with post-COVID conditions. Attendees will gain valuable insights into early diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted interventions such as neuromodulation for fibromyalgia and chronic pain. The programme will also cover emerging therapies, lifestyle interventions, and the latest advancements in personalised patient management. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the field and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on improving care for those with Hypermobility.
By attending, you will:
- Aim to identify conditions that increase susceptibility to post-COVID symptoms.
- Explore innovative treatments, medications, and lifestyle interventions to enhance patient well-being.
- Gain a deeper understanding of GJH, hEDS, and HSD and their effect on multi-organ systems.
- Understand neuromodulation as a treatment for pain and fibromyalgia.
- Advocate for NHS resources and funding to establish a dedicated treatment base for all affected patients.
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Tickets
Early Bird pricing available until 29 May 2025.
Member
| RSM Fellow | RSM Associate | RSM Retired Fellow | RSM Trainee | RSM Student |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £77.00 | £46.00 | £46.00 | £46.00 | £24.00 |
Non - Member
| Consultant / GP / SAS Doctors | Non Healthcare Professional | AHP / Nurse / Midwife | Trainee | Student | Patient Advocates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £141.00 | £84.00 | £84.00 | £84.00 | £44.00 | £44.00 |
Agenda
View the programme
Registration, tea and coffee
Welcome and introduction
Dr Stephanie Ann Kaye-Barrett, Honorary Treasurer, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Section, Royal Society of Medicine
Connections in hypermobility and neurodivergent with post-COVID…
Dr Jessica Eccles, FRCPsych PhD, Associate Professor (Reader) in Brain-Body Medicine IAT co-lead, Co-director Health and Care Research Training Hub, Brighton and Sussex Medical School Chair RCPSYCH Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry SIG, and Jane Green MBE, Fellow FCCT, MA Ed., ex-Assistant Headteacher, Chair SEDSConnective for neurodivergent people and hypermobility (EDS, HSD+), Awarded an MBE (2023) for services to neurodivergent people and those with hypermobility (JH EDS), UK rep. European Federation of Neurological Associations Advisory Community Board (2025)
Questions and answers
Dysautonomia related to PoTS and Long COVID - how best to treat?
Professor Melvin D Lobo, MBChB PhD FRCP FBHS FESC FACC, Consultant in Cardiovascular Medicine, UME Health, London
Questions and answers
The Immunology of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) - causes and treatments
Professor Anne Maitland, Professor of Immunology, USA
Questions and answers
Tea and coffee break
Pain management and chronic pain
Dr Helen Cohen, Immediate Past President, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Section, Royal Society of Medicine
Treating fibromyalgia with rTMS -neuromodulation
Dr Stephanie Ann Kaye-Barrett,MBChB, MD,FRCP, Consultant Rheumatologist and General Physician
Questions and answers
Lunch
ADHD/ASD - part of the 'Somatic Super-Syndrome'
Dr James Kustow, Consultant Psychiatrist
Questions and answers
The gastrointestinal system in hypermobility: the role of Mast Cells, COVID - 19 and the path to getting better!
Professor Qasim Aziz, Professor of Neurogastroenterology, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London
Questions and answers
Joint hypermobility and urogynaecology
Professor Vikram Khullar, BSc, MD, MRCOG, AKC, Clinical lead of Urogynaecology at St Mary’s Hospital, and Professor of Practice (Urogynaecology), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
Questions and answers
Tea and coffee break
EDS and HSD – recent findings and current thinking
Associate Professor Dr. Alan J Hakim, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, The Ehlers-Danlos Society
Questions and answers
The patients experience of all the above
Kate Toller and other representatives
PLEASE STAY FOR THIS HIGHLY INSIGHTFUL DISCUSSION
Closing remarks
Dr Stephanie Ann Kaye-Barrett
Close of meeting
Annual general meeting
Section members only
Location
Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole St, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AE, United Kingdom
Registration for this event will close at 1:00am on 1 July 2025. Late registrations will not be accepted.
The agenda is subject to change at any time
If the event is recorded, we are only able to share presentations that we have received permission to share. There is no guarantee that all sessions will be available after the event, this is at the presenter’s and RSM’s discretion.
All views expressed at this event are of the speakers themselves and not of the Royal Society of Medicine, nor the speaker's organisations.