The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast Bonus: Hypermobility Q&A with Bendy Bodies Dr. Linda Bluestein
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Aug 7, 2025 
Dr. Linda Blustein, a physician specializing in hypermobility disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, dives into listener questions surrounding these complex conditions. She discusses the limitations of the Beighton Score and introduces a new five-point assessment tool. The importance of finding knowledgeable healthcare providers is emphasized, along with the relationship between EDS and conditions like dysautonomia and celiac disease. Additionally, practical strategies for managing related concerns, such as lipedema and medication sensitivities, are explored.
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Diagnosing Hypermobility in Practice
- Use the Five-Point Questionnaire along with the Beighton score to assess generalized joint hypermobility accurately.
- Don't rely solely on Beighton score; consider patients' historical hypermobility and assess more joints than those in the score.
Finding the Right Provider
- Find providers experienced in hypermobility, chronic pain, or autonomic dysfunction; use support groups for recommendations.
- Pursue in-person evaluations first; telemedicine is helpful but limited for thorough physical assessment.
Managing SVT and Dysautonomia
- Refer a patient with documented SVT to a cardiologist experienced with POTS and dysautonomia for comprehensive evaluation.
- Build a multidisciplinary team including neurologists and rheumatologists to address overlapping symptoms and conditions.