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Resources and Education Materials

What are hEDS & HSD?

A printable education material; a basic introduction into Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, and their clinical manifestations. 

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Understanding hEDS: a pamphlet for providers

A printable provider education material; a pamphlet outlining the clinical phenotypes of hEDS, the current diagnostic guidelines, best practices for caring for complex patients according to physicians and researchers, common misconceptions, epidemiological trends, and publications to reference. 

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Subtypes of EDS: Major and Minor Criteria based on 2017 Diagnostic Criteria

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome isn’t one diagnosis. There are 14 distinct subtypes and clinical manifestations, each with its own genetic causes and diagnostic criteria. This series walks through the major and minor clinical criteria for each subtype as defined by the 2017 International EDS Classification, plus the genes involved and how the criteria combine to suggest a diagnosis.

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Breaking Down the Research: Global Survey Study on hEDS and HSD

Defining the clinical scope of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) is essential for improving patient prognosis and guiding effective disease management. Affected individuals face substantial care burdens and stressors, compounded by the multisystemic nature of the disease and the persistence of chronic pain. Below is a research translation of the global survey study made to explain our research process and findings. 

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Guide to Recognizing EDS in Students

A printable pamphlet for middle school staff, teachers, nurses, and aides, on the signs and symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders, so affected students can be recognized earlier and supported sooner. Beyond prompting medical evaluation, recognition can lead to classroom accommodations, prevent pain or fatigue from being mistaken for behavioral issues, support 504/IEP processes, and ease the social burden on students.

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The Impacts of Governmental Changes on Science

Scientific research is the backbone of medical discovery, innovation, health infrastructure, and effective health care delivery. Attached is a printable information packet about the impacts of government policy and its recent changes on science and research.

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Understanding Craniocervical Instability

Cervical instability is a common yet often overlooked complication in people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) that can affect multiple levels of the cervical spine. This includes the cranio-cervical junction (CCI), the atlantoaxial joint (AAI), and the lower cervical spine (CI). The instability typically develops from ligament laxity or injury, and may occur alongside tethered cord syndrome or Chiari malformation.

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Understanding Tethered Cord Syndrome

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a spinal condition where the cord is abnormally anchored, sometimes without visible signs on imaging. Symptoms may include lower back pain, leg weakness, bladder issues, and more; and in occult cases, standard imaging may appear normal.

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EDS Fun Facts

5 Facts about EDS for day 5 of EDS Awareness month.

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Breaking Down the Research 

Part of a science communication series designed to translate our Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and cardiac research into clear, accessible insights for the community. This study, led by PhD candidate Taylor Petrucci in the Norris Lab, explores phenotypic clusters and multimorbidity in over 2,000 individuals with hEDS. We’re committed to making research relevant and directly impactful to the community, connecting evidence to the everyday experiences of the people it’s meant to serve

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What is Patient-Science?

At the Norris Lab, patients are not just participants—they’re pioneers. In light of this being the first week of our hypermobile EDS Internship Program, let’s talk about patient-science! Integrating patient perspectives, especially in EDS research, leads to more relevant, compassionate, and transformative science.

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About us

A flyer introducing the Norris Lab and its mission, emphasizing our commitment to patient-led science and translational research aimed at improving lives while investigating the root causes of EDS and related conditions.

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Why Do Heart Valves Fail?

Breaking down research from our very own PhD student, Brian Loizzi. The Norris Lab takes a multidisciplinary approach to studying heart conditions like mitral valve prolapse, plus Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and related disorders.

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Why Heart Cells Stop Dividing

Why do heart muscle cells stop dividing after birth, and what tells them to stop? Researchers in The Norris Lab are exploring how nearby support cells might send that signal, and what role the Dchs1 gene plays in the process.This work could shape how we understand heart development and open doors for future repair strategies.

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Orthopaedic Complications & Management in hEDS Patients

A printable education material; New release by Dr. Joseph Eichinger in collaboration with The Norris Lab, titled "Orthopaedic Manifestations in Hypermobile EDS". This large-scale study reveals a median involvement in 11/16 joints, superior outcomes with hEDS‐specific physical therapy, and notable surgical complication rates. This underscores the need for tailored care pathways.

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Breaking Down the Research

This research translation from our Breaking Down the Research Series highlights the work of MD/PhD candidate Kathryn Byerly (and our team) from the Norris Lab, whose paper was published on May 24 in Cells. The study investigates how the gene Dchs1 shapes heart development.

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Breaking Down the Research

This research translation from our Breaking Down the Research Series highlights one of our recent publications, KLK15 alters connective tissues in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, published in iScience in September 2025.

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Scientific Review

This study explores a theory called the epithelial barrier hypothesis and its relation to hyper-mobility disorders like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder.

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Autism Awareness Month

In honor of autism acceptance month, here’s the latest clinical research on the intersections between autism and EDS/HSD.

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Fatigue in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Fatigue in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes can significantly impact daily functioning, yet it often goes ignored or minimized in clinical settings.

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The Nosology of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder

A document outlining the long and complicated history of how the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes have been named and classified. Throughout history, cultural beliefs and medical norms have shaped the politics of nosology. Each year, the field grows and pushes toward better diagnosis, deeper biological understanding, improved care, and clearer classification. We are excited to continue working on these conditions and for the implications of better diagnostics and care for patients.

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Two Studies on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Breaking down the scientific methods of two studies and their results in bite-sized form:

- KLK15 alters connective tissues in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

- Complex Genetics and Regulatory Drivers of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Insights from Genome-Wide Association Study Meta-analysis (Pre-print)

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Aneurysms and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

A systematic review published in Clinical Genetics mapped the location of vascular aneurysms across all EDS subtypes, covering 58 years of medical literature. 

While vEDS carries the greatest risk, vascular complications have been documented across multiple EDS subtypes.

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hEDS Lunch & Learn

Watch the lecture!

What is a GWAS? 

A resource to guide understanding of our recent genome-wide genetic study of hEDS, which was recently published. Titled "Complex Genetics and Regulatory Drivers of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Insights from Genome-wide Association Study Meta-analysis", this study uncovered regions of DNA that may have an effect on nerve, immune, and pain pathways. 

Proteomic Discoveries in hEDS

A resource to guide understanding of our recent proteomics study of hEDS patients blood, which was recently published. Titled Proteomic discoveries in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome reveal insights into disease pathophysiology", this study uncovered underlying immune dysregulation patterns in hEDS patients.

Notable Findings from 2025

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The Medical University of South Carolina

Dept. of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology

Charleston, SC
thenorrislab@musc.edu

© 2025 by The Norris Lab

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