Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Efficacy of Non-invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation and Effects on Brain-Gut Physiology
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility and additional connective tissue manifestations. For unclear reasons, hEDS is associated with many gastrointestinal (GI) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) complaints such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This study will address the clinical relationship between hEDS/Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders and autonomic regulation and see if there is a benefit of two forms of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation therapies to reduce GI symptoms in hEDS and POTS. The study will also investigate plausible effects of these nerve stimulation therapies on gastric function and autonomic signaling.
• Children aged 10-18 years old
• Children with functional upper GI complaints and clinical suspicion for hEDS or HSD as well as a Beighton score of at least 4/9
• Children with functional upper GI complaints and clinical suspicion for ANS dysfunction
• De-identified data from our prior studies (IRB #689519 and IRB #1064187) of patients with functional GI disorders who do NOT meet criteria for hEDS will be used as a comparison group
• Children who are English-speaking and lack other explanation for symptoms
• Children willing to participate and consent to this study (for children, have a parent willing to participate)