Advanced Cranial and Upper Cervical Instability Presentation in HSD/EDS

Course overview

This course explores the advanced clinical presentations of cranial and upper cervical instability (UCI) in individuals with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), highlighting their unique anatomical, neurological, and connective tissue-related complexities. Clinicians will learn how abnormal connective tissue integrity in both the central and peripheral nervous systems contributes to a wide range of symptoms and overlapping diagnoses, such as functional seizures, intracranial pressure dysregulation, jaw dysfunction, and tethered cord syndrome. Emphasis is placed on identifying severity levels, evaluating signs and symptoms, and considering the body's global pressure and neurological systems to guide care. Healthcare providers will gain practical tools for assessing moderate to severe cases and tailoring interventions based on a patient's individual tolerance, often requiring work away from the cervical spine. This course is designed for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and rehabilitation professionals in outpatient neurological and orthopedic care settings who treat complex hypermobility cases.