Why are people with EDS referred to as 'zebras'?

The term 'zebra' is used in the medical field to symbolize rare conditions. However, it's crucial to understand that what's often labeled as 'rare' may actually be underdiagnosed rather than inherently uncommon.

The origin of the term comes from a medical teaching adage: “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras”. This implies that doctors should initially consider a common diagnosis rather than a rare one.

For people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), their conditions are the 'zebras' in this analogy – rare and frequently overlooked diagnoses. The zebra metaphor resonates because, just like no two zebras have identical stripes, each person with EDS or HSD has unique symptoms and experiences.

The goal is to reach a point where healthcare professionals can swiftly recognize and accurately diagnose EDS and HSD, shortening the path to treatment and improving care.

For more information, the EDS Society has a YouTube video explaining the zebra symbolism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mawivnrjCwU&t=2s