Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (pronounced: ee-lers dan-low) are a group of inherited disorders involving a genetic mutation in one or more of our bodies’ collagen proteins. Collagen is the most abundant protein, making up 1/3 of the proteins in the human body, affecting our bones, skin, muscles, and connective tissue. Collagen is often described as a “cellular glue” that helps hold the body together. When that glue fails to hold, everything seems to go awry; before and after birth: skulls can under-develop in utero, organs tend to prolapse, and bones begin to shift as joint laxity increases (including the bones/vertebrae at the craniocervical junction and spine). Because our bodies are so abundant in collagen, EDS is not only associated with Chiari but many other conditions common to so many of us and our families. Conditions such as:

• Aneurysms
• Carpal Tunnel
• Chronic Fatigue
• Complications in Pregnancies
• Cyst & Tumor Formation
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
• Dysautonomia (POTS, etc.)
• Fibromyalgia
• Gastrointestinal Problems
• Hernias
• Hormonal Problems
• Incontinence (bladder & bowel)
• Joint Conditions
• Malabsorption Issues
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
• Miscarriage
• Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
• Organ Prolapses
• Retinal Detachments
• Scoliosis

For more on the neurological and spinal manifestations associated with Ehlers-Danlos (which includes Chiari): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajmg.c.31549