Chronic widespread pain and neurophysiological symptoms in joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS)
Background Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) is a multisystemic connective tissue disorder characterised by pain, tissue fragility and laxity. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and the extended neurophysiological features reported by a group of patients with JHS. Methods Ninety patients with JHS (mean age 34.7 9.9 years) which was diagnosed in accordance with the Brighton criteria, and 113 healthy volunteers (mean age 35.7 12.9) with no musculoskeletal pain participated in the study. A self report questionnaire and pain chart were employed to collect data. Results CWP was reported by 86% of patients with JHS. The mean number of pain sites in this group was 9.8/17 4.2. Fibromyalgia was reported by 19% of this group. Patients with JHS were significantly more likely to report the following than healthy volunteers: autonomic symptoms (70% 12% gastrointestinal symptoms (71% 9% and chronic fatigue syndrome (31% 1% Patients with JHS reported significa.