This new study, published in the European Journal of Neurology, on Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers: Marina Romozzi, Vincenzo Trigila, Federico Tosto, Giovanni Cuffaro, David García-Azorín, Luigi Francesco Iannone, Pietro Romozzi, Gustavo Savino, Paolo Calabresi, Francesca Puledda, and Catello Vollono. Together, they explored the prevalence and characteristics of Visual Snow (VS) and Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) among young Italian adults, focusing on university students.
Study Objective
The primary goal of the study was to determine how common VS and VSS are in a cohort of young adults in Italy and to describe the clinical characteristics of those affected. Despite increasing recognition of these conditions, much about their prevalence remains unknown globally, making this study a significant step in understanding how these disorders manifest in younger populations.
The study surveyed 750 students from universities in central and southern Italy, with an average age of 23.2 years. The majority of participants were female (63.7%). The research team used self-administered questionnaires to identify individuals with symptoms of VS and VSS. Those meeting potential diagnostic criteria underwent further clinical evaluation by neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologists.
Key Findings
- Prevalence of Visual Snow (VS): 0.9% (7 participants) of the students reported symptoms consistent with VS, including constant visual static.
- Prevalence of Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS): 0.7% (5 participants) met the full criteria for VSS, which requires symptoms to persist for over three months and be accompanied by additional visual disturbances.
- Common Symptoms Among Those with VSS: All five participants with VSS experienced enhanced entoptic phenomena, such as excessive floaters in their vision. Other symptoms included:
- Photophobia (light sensitivity) in all five cases.
- Nyctalopia (night blindness) in four cases.
- Palinopsia (afterimages) in one case.
- All seven individuals with either VS or VSS also reported tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Comorbid Conditions: Over half (57%) of those with VS or VSS also experienced migraines with aura, and one participant (14%) had migraines without aura.
Treatment and Diagnosis
- None of the participants had previously received a diagnosis of VS or VSS.
- 85.7% had never tried specific treatments for their condition, and those who had reported no significant improvement in their symptoms.
With a prevalence of approximately 1% among young adults in Italy, this study emphasizes the need for better diagnostic practices and increased attention to the condition. This research highlights the low rate of diagnosis for VSS despite its potential to cause significant visual and sensory disturbances. Although around 1% of the participants were affected by the syndrome, very few had sought medical attention or received appropriate treatment. The findings suggest that increased awareness among both healthcare providers and the public is crucial to ensuring proper diagnosis and care for those with VS and VSS.
