Revising the Hypermobile EDS Criteria with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 154)

In this compelling episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by her longtime mentor and internationally respected EDS expert, Dr. Pradeep Chopra. Together, they tackle some of the most frustrating—and frequently misunderstood—questions surrounding hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). From major flaws in the 2017 diagnostic criteria to the hidden surgical risks that could lead to serious complications like CCI (craniocervical instability), this conversation dives deep into clinical insights and lived experience. Listeners will also hear the surprising story of how Dr. Chopra helped inspire Dr. Bluestein to open her own practice. Whether you're a patient, parent, or provider, this episode just might change how you see joint hypermobility and connective tissue disorders forever.

Takeaways

Why men and boys may be getting overlooked by the current EDS diagnostic model

The difference between dislocations and subluxations—and why that matters

A surprising source of CCI: what your dentist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist may not know

The 2017 criteria: well-meaning, but are they dangerously outdated?

What every hypermobile patient should bring to their next surgery (yes, it’s a hack)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:52 Dr. Chopra's Background and Contributions
02:27 The Origin Story of Dr. Bluestein and Dr. Chopra's Collaboration
07:23 Challenges with Hypermobile EDS Diagnostic Criteria
41:25 Discussing Hyperextension and Adding Shoulders
42:15 Challenges with Current Diagnostic Criteria
45:10 Subjectivity in Diagnostic Criteria
59:10 Practical Advice for Patients and Conclusion

References:
Episode 70: ⁠   • 70. Examining Abdominal Pain with Pradeep ...  ⁠
Episode 71: ⁠   • 71. Examining Head, Spine, and Chest Pain ...  ⁠
Episode 72: ⁠   • 72. Examining Upper Extremity Pain with Pr...  ⁠
Episode 73: ⁠   • 73. Understanding Lower Extremity Pain wit...  ⁠
Episode 77: ⁠   • 77. Neurosurgical Insights from Paolo Bolo...  ⁠
Episode 151: ⁠   • Mast Cells: Friend or Foe? with Dr. Theoha...  ⁠


Perioperative Care in Patients with EDS by Linda Bluestein & Pradeep Chopra: ⁠https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperin...


Diagnostic Criteria: ⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/p/...


The Incidence of Misdiagnosis in Patients with EDS: ⁠https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/6/698⁠


Living Well with Orthostatic Intolerance by Peter C. Rowe: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobi...


2023 Diagnostic Framework: ⁠https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/diagnos...


Want more Dr. Pradeep Chopra? 
Website: https://www.painri.com/
Contact Dr. Chopra’s Office: ⁠[email protected]⁠


Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD?
Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/
YouTube:    / @bendybodiespodcast  
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Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠  / bendybodiespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠  
X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠  / bluesteinlinda⁠⁠⁠⁠  
LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠  
Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/
Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobi...
Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hyp...


Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.
YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠⁠⁠


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