Résumé : | SIGNIFICANCE: Visual snow syndrome is a recently recognized condition with its own diagnostic criteria, evolving
pathophysiologic research, and potential treatment options.
PURPOSE: This report documents a rare but likely underdiagnosed condition called visual snow syndrome. A review of the current literature on pathophysiology and treatments is discussed.
CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old Whiteman started experiencing symptoms of constant pulsating pixels throughout
his entire visual field approximately 3 weeks after a series of mild concussions. In addition, he experienced a persistence of images and photosensitivity. The patient had normal eye examination results, visual fields, and retinal
imaging result. Brain MRI, magnetic resonance angiography, electroencephalography, and cerebrospinal fluid
analysis were unremarkable. A positron emission tomography scan demonstrated hypometabolism in the posterior
parietal lobes and left posterior cingulate gyrus. Pharmacological treatment with antiepileptic and migraine medications was unsuccessful. Tinted lenses were essentially ineffective with a 10% reduction in symptoms reported
with the use of a custom blue-tinted lens.Vision rehabilitation aids with optical character recognition were used for
prolonged reading needs.
CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, visual snow syndrome should be considered in all patients reporting continuous
pixelations in their vision for more than 3 months, especially when accompanied by at least two of the following:
photosensitivity, palinopsia, enhanced entopic phenomena, or nyctalopia. The pathophysiology is still unclear at
this point, with evidence suggesting a link to the secondary visual cortex, specifically the lingual gyrus. More studies are needed to determine the exact cause, especially studies that separate visual snow syndrome patients with
and without comorbid migraine. Because the pathophysiology is unclear, the treatment course is also unclear. Anecdotal evidence may suggest that tinted lenses may be of some value. |