Barcelona, Spain – The International Ehlers-Danlos Society has officially recognized the clinic of Dr. Vicenç Gilete, a neurosurgeon based in Barcelona, as the first and only Center of Excellence in Spain. This designation makes Dr. Gilete’s clinic not only the first in Spain, but also the only recognized Center of Excellence in Europe that offers surgical treatments for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
EDS is a rare disorder that affects the entire body, causing structural issues in collagen – a protein that makes up the tissues in our bodies. The most common symptoms of EDS include joint hypermobility and generalized pain. However, the disease is multi-systemic, making it difficult for patients to find a specialist who can diagnose and treat their symptoms. On average, it takes 10 years for patients to receive a proper diagnosis, as they often see various doctors for their different symptoms. Unfortunately, few doctors are experienced in dealing with the complexities of EDS, making it even harder for patients to receive proper care.
A small percentage of patients with connective tissue disorders, like EDS, may also experience severe brain and spinal conditions due to the laxity of their tissues. These conditions include Craniocervical Instability (CCI), where the neck becomes too weak to hold up the head, and Occult Tethered Cord (OTC), where the spinal cord becomes stuck to the spinal column. In rare cases, patients with post-viral diagnoses, such as ME/CFS or long COVID, may also experience similar issues. These conditions are not common in the general population, and are therefore challenging to diagnose, even for experienced neurosurgeons. Furthermore, conventional scans are not sufficient for diagnosing these conditions.
Dr. Vicenç Gilete began treating complex spinal and brain conditions in EDS patients in 2015. By 2018, his reputation had spread internationally, and he had become the go-to specialist for this niche population of patients. Patients from all over the world seek out Dr. Gilete for his expertise, either through online patient advocate groups or referrals from their local healthcare providers. He has also presented at international conferences, provided training to other medical professionals, and participated in expert roundtables.
Over the years, thousands of patients have sought Dr. Gilete’s expert opinion, with 90% coming from countries outside of Spain. Currently, he is the only dedicated neurosurgical specialist in Europe for EDS patients, with only a handful of similar specialists in the world. As these patients often have multiple comorbidities, or conditions related to their primary diagnosis, it is crucial to treat the whole patient. Therefore, Dr. Gilete has formed relationships with other specialists, including cardiologists, internists, rheumatologists, radiologists, neurophysiologists, ophthalmologists, and mental health specialists, to provide comprehensive care to his patients.
Given the unconventional scans required for diagnosing these neurosurgical conditions, Dr. Gilete has also established a special relationship with neuroimaging diagnostic centers. This allows patients to undergo testing during their consultation, making the diagnosis process more efficient, especially for patients traveling from long distances. The diagnostic package offered by Dr. Gilete’s clinic is unique in the world and tailored to these delicate patients and their complex diagnoses.
As a designated EDS Center of Excellence, and the only one in Europe offering surgical treatments, Dr. Gilete and his team are committed to providing compassionate and experienced care to this underserved community of patients. He hopes to use his experience with EDS patients and collaboration with other professionals to expand services beyond neurosurgical treatments. Dr. Gilete envisions a multidisciplinary center where patients with EDS and other similar conditions can find integrated answers and treatments for their various health issues.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Vicenç Gilete
Marquesa de Villalonga 12, office 24
Barcelona 08017
Spain
Email: info@drgilete.com
Phone: +34 93 220 28 09
Website: www.drgilete.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicencgilete/
International Ehlers-Danlos Society Center of Excellence: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/centers-of-excellence/current-cne/
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.