Rare Nephrology News

Disease Profile

Visual snow syndrome

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

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ICD-10

H53.8

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Other names (AKA)

Visual snow

Categories

Nervous System Diseases

Summary

Visual snow syndrome affects the way the visual information is processed by the brain and eyes. People with visual snow syndrome see many flickering tiny dots, like snow or static, that fill the entire visual field. Other visual symptoms include seeing blobs of varying size and shape (floaters) and continuing to see images after they are out of the line of sight. In addition, people with visual snow syndrome may have light sensitivity, difficulty with night vision, migraines, and ringing in the ears. The symptoms do not usually change over time. The cause of visual snow syndrome is unknown, but it is likely to be involve how the brain processes vision. Visual snow syndrome is diagnosed based on the symptoms. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms.[1][2][3]

Symptoms

The following list includes the most common signs and symptoms in people with visual snow syndrome. These features may be different from person to person. Some people may have more symptoms than others and symptoms can range from mild to severe. This list does not include every symptom or feature that has been described in this condition.

Symptoms of visual snow syndrome may include:[2]

Less common symptoms may include migraines, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and fatigue. In general, the symptoms of visual snow syndrome don't change with time. Some people with visual snow syndrome have depression or anxiety related to their symptoms. The symptoms of visual snow syndrome can start at any age, but usually occur in early adulthood.[2][3]

Cause

The underlying cause of visual snow syndrome is unknown. It is thought to be due to a problem with how the brain processes visual images.[1][4]

Diagnosis

Visual snow syndrome is diagnosed based on the symptoms and a specific set of criteria.[3] In order for a person to be diagnosed with visual snow syndrome, other potential causes of the symptoms must be ruled out. Most people with visual snow syndrome have normal vision tests and normal brain structure on imaging studies.[2][3]

Treatment

Treatment for visual snow syndrome is focused on managing the symptoms and preventing migraines.[3]

Specialists involved in the care of someone with visual snow syndrome may include:

  • Neurologist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Psychologist

Organizations

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Providing General Support

    Learn more

    These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

    Where to Start

    • The Eye on Vision Foundation is a non-profit organization that covers Visual snow syndrome and has information on the condition.
    • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

      In-Depth Information

      • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
      • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Visual snow syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

        References

        1. Puledda F, Schankin C, Digre K, Goadsby PJ. Visual snow syndrome: what we know so far. Curr Opin Neurol. February 2018; 31(1):52-58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29140814.
        2. Puledda F, Schankin C, Goadsby PJ. Visual snow syndrome: A clinical and phenotypical description of 1,100 cases. Neurology. 2020; 94(6):e564-e574. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31941797.
        3. Traber GL, Piccirelli M, Michels L. Visual snow syndrome: a review on diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment. Curr Opin Neurol. 2020;33(1):74-78. 2020; 33(1):74-78. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31714263.
        4. Visual Snow Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2018; https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/visual-snow-syndrome/.
        5. Kondziella D, Olsen MH, Dreier JP. Prevalence of visual snow syndrome in the UK. Eur J Neurol. 2020; 27(5):764-772. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31714263.

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