Neurology and Connective Tissue

Connective tissue compromise, as is seen in the heritable connective tissue disorders collectively called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but also acquired connective tissue disorders as can be seen in autoimmune disease and post-viral syndromes have implications in the integrity and health of both the central and peripheral nervous system. Connective tissue is present beyond the joints of the skeleton and can be found within the meninges that encase the brain and spine, the endoneurium of the peripheral nerves, the fascia that supports the muscle fibers, the walls of blood vessels, as well as the facet joints of the spine. This ubiquitous presence of connective tissues belies the important role of this diffuse organ in the functioning of the nervous systems of the body.

There is a huge gap in the understanding and application of connective tissue compromise in neurology which often leads to poor localization of patient symptoms and ultimately either misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis which then further results in non-effective treatment and poor satisfaction for both the patient and the neurologist. Over the past ten years, there has been an increased focus on the neurological manifestations of connective tissue disorders and the associated diagnoses that often present that help explain many of the symptoms of the patients. This increased focus has led to more research and literature on several topics that will help to fill the gap, but more is needed. Along with the increased focus, however, there is increased controversy and the goal of highlighting what is known will hopefully help quell concerns and questions of doubt.

Scope of the collection will include descriptions of the association of connective tissue disorders and neurological symptoms/disease; discussion of specific diagnoses that have a core root within the loss of structural integrity; diagnostic guidelines; controversies in the field; treatment guidelines; and future directions.