Dazzling Together: The Zebras in the Medical World

*If you'd like to experience this blog post in video format, click the following link to watch the accompanying Youtube video that brings these words to life: Dazzling Together: The Zebras in the Medical World.

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When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras." That's a common adage in the medical world—those studying to become doctors are taught that phrase as shorthand for assuming the most common situation for the symptoms at hand first before assuming a less likely one. It's the same philosophy as Occam's Razor—the solution that is simplest is most likely. However, it is not only horses who have hooves. Sometimes, the solution is more complex than it appears, and occasionally, a less likely diagnosis is the correct one.

The term "zebra" has been adopted as the collective term for people with rare medical conditions that are likely to be misdiagnosed. Their community is united in their struggles, not only with the condition itself but also with frequent misdiagnosis by doctors, which makes it difficult for them to receive proper treatment. This term is used by people with a wide array of diagnoses, some of which may be more common than expected, considering their emphasis on rarity. Even if a condition occurs in only 0.01% of the population, that still accounts for almost a million people worldwide.

The term has been especially embraced by those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as well as the zebra as a symbol. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, also known as elastic skin, is a condition characterized by joint hypermobility, increased skin elasticity, and fragility of bodily tissues. Due to its infrequent occurrence, doctors often overlook the possibility of this condition, making it challenging for those affected to receive proper treatment. Consequently, they serve as a classic example of medical zebras. The zebra even serves as the logo for The Ehlers-Danlos Society, an international organization focused on providing resources for those living with the syndrome and raising awareness about it. Essentially, they strive to help doctors remember that not all hoofbeats come from horses and encourage support for their dazzle of zebras.

Zebras, regardless of their stripes, find solace in each other through shared experiences. It is important to remember that while everyone is unique, no experience is entirely unrelatable, and there will always be people who understand what you are going through. No matter the struggles with diagnosis and lack of knowledge about your condition, you should always remember that you are never dazzling alone.