Visual snow syndrome (VSS): clinical features
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Visual snow syndrome (VSS): clinical features. This manifests as continuous tiny flickering snow-like dots. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Clinical features
- This manifests as continuous tiny flickering snow-like dots
- These involve the entire visual field
- They resemble the static of an analogue television
- The static may be black and white, coloured, flashing, or transparent
- The course may be progressive or constant
- Smoking and cocaine may transiently worsen symptoms
Demographic features
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Exclusion features
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Associated neurological features
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Associated ophthalmic features
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Associated entoptic or triggered ophthalmic features
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Other associated features
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Potential triggers
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Diagnostic criteria
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References
- Schankin CJ, Maniyar FH, Digre KB, Goadsby PJ. 'Visual snow' - a disorder distinct from persistent migraine aura. Brain 2014; 137:1419-1428.
- van Dongen RM, Haan J. Symptoms related to the visual system in migraine. F1000Res 2019; pii: F1000 Faculty Rev-1219.
- van Dongen RM, Waaijer LC, Onderwater GLJ, Ferrari MD, Terwindt GM. Treatment effects and comorbid diseases in 58 patients with visual snow. Neurology 2019; 93:e398-e403.
- Renze M. Visual snow syndrome and its relationship to tinnitus. Int Tinnitus J 2017; 21:74-75.
- Hodak J, Fischer U, Bassetti CLA, Schankin CJ. Episodic visual snow associated with migraine attacks. JAMA Neurol 2019 (Epub ahead of print).
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