is a thalamocortical dysrhythmia of the visual pathway, similar to tinnitus, which is a thalamocortical dysrhythmia of the auditory pathway. Timeline In May 2015, visual snow was described as a persisting positive visual phenomenon distinct from migraine aura in a study by Schankin and Goadsby. In December 2020, a study found local increases in regional cerebral perfusion in patients with visual snow syndrome. In May 2021, University of Zurich researchers announced a clinical trial on neurofeedback for visual snow syndrome. In June 2021, University of Colorado researchers started recruiting for a clinical trial on transcranial magnetic stimulation for visual snow syndrome. In September 2021, two studies found white matter alterations in parts of the visual cortex and outside the visual cortex in patients with visual snow syndrome. Treatments It is difficult to resolve visual snow with treatment, but it is possible to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life through treatment, both of the syndrome and its comorbidities. Medications that may be used include lamotrigine, acetazolamide, or verapamil, but these do not always result in benefits. As of 2021, there were two ongoing clinical trials using transcranial magnetic stimulation and neurofeedback for visual snow. A recent study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has confirmed that common drug treatments are generally ineffective in visual snow syndrome (VSS). Vitamins and benzodiazepines, however, were shown to be beneficial in some patients and can be considered safe for this condition. Victoria Pelak, a Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology in the Department of Neurology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has recently directed, published, and completed enrollment for a TMS study protocol. The study protocol aims to investigate the use of rTMS intervention to improve symptoms and visual dysfunction associated with visual snow (VS); the study protocol also describes the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Pelak described during her practice that she lets patients know that current treatment options are only limited to alleviating symptoms. She recommends that her patients focus on pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatments to control migraine, headaches, anxiety, and depression. As for light sensitivity complications, Pelak advises patients to use FL-41 tinted lenses indoors. She also recommends visual occupational therapists who assist patients with color-tinted lenses to alleviate VSS symptoms. Furthermore, Pelak states that exercising, meditation, and a healthy balanced diet can improve overall daily functioning. References External links Visual Snow Initiative Visual snow syndrome at NIH