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.

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:

  1. Aim to identify conditions that increase susceptibility to post-COVID symptoms.
  2. Explore innovative treatments, medications, and lifestyle interventions to enhance patient well-being.
  3. Gain a deeper understanding of GJH, hEDS, and HSD and their effect on multi-organ systems.
  4.  Understand neuromodulation as a treatment for pain and fibromyalgia.
  5. 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 AHP / Nurse / Midwife Trainee Student
£141.00 £84.00 £84.00 £44.00

Key speakers

Dr Jessica Eccles

FRCPsych PhD
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

Speaker's biography

Dr Eccles is an award-winning researcher and a neurodevelopmental psychiatrist specialising in the links between brain and body, especially as they relate to flexible joints (hypermobility). She trained in medicine at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.  As well as her University position at Brighton and Sussex Medical School as Associate Professor (Reader)  in Brain-Body Medicine in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, she works in the Sussex NHS Neurodevelopmental Service (ADHD, Autism and Tourette syndrome) where she and colleagues have set up the world’s first Neurodivergent Brain Body Clinic.   She has been working on the intersect between hypermobility and neurodivergence since she first came to work at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in Neuroscience in 2009.  She chairs the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry Special Interest Group – bringing together neurodevelopmental clinicians across the countryShe hopes to challenge stereotypes and encourage curiosity. 

Jane Green MBE

MBE Chair www.sedsconnective.org

Fellow FCCT, MA Ed.   Adv.Dip.Ed. (Child Dev.), PGCE Sec. QTS, BSc (HONS) Psych,  ex-Assistant Headteacher

 

Speaker's biography

Jane was national lead on neurodivergence in education, sat on Boards from SCIE, NIHR and Carers. She is Founder/chairs SEDSConnective , the foremost  user-led, multi-award-winning charity for neurodivergent people (Autistic, ADHD, Dyspraxic, Tourette’s+) and those with symptomatic hypermobility (EDS, HSD+).

A global keynote speaker education, health, disability, and work, she is a disabled, multiply neurodivergent single parent and carer. Multiple awards and including  an MBE (2023) for services to neurodivergent people and those with related joint hypermobility including Ehlers-Danlos syndromes,  currently UK representative to the European Federation of Neurological Associations Advisory Community Board (2025).

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.