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Visual snow syndrome
Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), is a chronic, debilitating, and persistent neurological condition that affects a person’s vision, hearing, and brain function
Prevalence
Age of Onset
ICD-10
H53.8
Inheritance
This condition does not appear to have a clear pattern of inheritance.
5 Facts you should know
FACT
People with visual snow syndrome see many flickering tiny dots, like snow or static, that fill the entire visual field.
FACT
This “static” is seen whether the eyes are open or closed.
FACT
Patients also report symptoms such as palinopsia, entoptic phenomena, photophobia, and nyctalopia.
FACT
Research indicates that the brain may be hyperactive in the visual cortex - and it is believed that the lingual gyrus is involved, as well as the thalamus.
FACT
Visual Snow Syndrome does not lead to permanent blindness.
Interest over time
Google searches
Common signs & symptoms
Tiny, snow-like dots across the visual field
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Difficulty seeing at night (nyctalopia)
Continuing to see an image after it is no longer in the field of vision (palinopsia)
Seeing images from within the eye itself (entoptic phenomena)
Current treatments
No current treatment has proven effective for treating visual snow syndrome. Researchers are continuing to investigate potential options.
The best pharmacological evidence exists for lamotrigine. Recommended non-pharmacological options include tinted glasses.
Managing the symptoms
Preventing migraines
Top Clinical Trials
Title | Description | Phases | Status | Interventions | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Visual Snow Syndrome | This study aims to investigate the feasibility of the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for symptoms associated with Visual Snow syndrome (VS). | n/a | Recruiting | Device: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation device | More Info |
Top Treatments in Research
Agent | Class/Mechanism of Action | Development Status | Company | Clinical Studies | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation device | TMS is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that relies on electromagnetic induction using an insulated coil placed over the scalp, focused on an area of the brain thought to play a role in mood regulation. The coil generates brief magnetic pulses, which pass easily and painlessly through the skull and into the brain. The pulses generated are of the same type and strength as those generated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. When these pulses are administered in rapid succession, it is referred to as “repetitive TMS “ or “rTMS”, which can produce longer lasting changes in brain activity. | n/a | Various medical device manufac turers | More Info | More Info |