Why are people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome called zebras?

According to the international Ehlers-Danlos Society, the reference to zebras is borrowed from a common expression heard in medicine: “When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don’t expect to see a zebra.” In other words, medical professionals are typically taught to look out for more-common ailments rather than testing for …

What does it mean when someone calls themselves a zebra?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Zebra is the American medical slang for arriving at a surprising, often exotic, medical diagnosis when a more commonplace explanation is more likely.

What is a zebra disability?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is considered a rare condition and so EDS sufferers are known as medical zebras. This identity has now been adopted across the world through social media to help bring our community together.

What is a zebra mom?

Mother zebras are the sole caretakers of their foals, and it is very important that the baby zebra learns to recognize its mother. For a few days after it is born, the mother keeps all other zebras away from the baby, to make sure that the baby learns her smell, stripe pattern and voice.

Is Ehlers Danlos a disability?

Can I Get Disability For Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? The answer is that Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can be a disabling condition, depending on how it presents. EDS is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues and causing an array of serious physical problems, ranging from joint pain to cardiovascular issues.

Is Ehlers-Danlos a disability?

How painful is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome tends to result in chronic pain and discomfort, often in the joints, muscles, or nerves. It can also cause stomach problems and headaches. Medication can be a crucial part of a pain management strategy for many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

How long is a zebra pregnant for?

List of mammalian gestation durations

Mammal Gestation period (days)
Average
Yak (Bos grunniens) 255
Zebu (Bos taurus) 280
Zebra (Burchell’s) (Equus quagga burchelli) 390

What is a group of zebras called?

A group of zebras can be called a dazzle. Some zoologists think zebras use their stripes as camouflage when they’re together in a big group to confuse predators – by making it harder to pick out individual zebras. Zebras can also be called a herd or a zeal.

Does hypermobile EDS affect teeth?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) can adversely impact upon the function of the mouth and in turn potentially lessen quality of life. While many people with EDS not have any notable oral problems specifically due to EDS, this connective tissue disorder can affect the teeth and gums as well as the temporomandibular joint.

Does Ehlers Danlos make you look older?

Due to the collagen in the skin being extra stretchy, many EDS patients experience a lack of wrinkles as they age. This collagen may help EDS patients look younger and can also cause skin to feel extremely soft. Doctor’s even describe the skin as “velvet-soft”.

Why is the zebra a symbol for Ehlers Danlos?

The zebra became our symbol because those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder are the unexpected. “Sometimes when you hear hoofbeats, it really is a zebra.”

What are the symptoms of Ehlers Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) People with EDS generally have a normal life span. However, people with the vascular type of EDS have a high risk of sudden death, due to a high risk for major organ and/or blood vessel rupture. Some symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome include: Double-jointedness, easily damaged, bruised, and stretchy skin,…

What do you call a group of zebras with EDS?

A group of zebras is called a dazzle. Living with an EDS or HSD is not always easy. We take comfort and pride in the strength and support of our community, and what we can achieve together.

Are there any zebras that have identical stripes?

When you see a zebra, you know it’s a zebra—but no two zebras have identical stripes just as no two people with an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or HSD are identical.