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Visual Snow Syndrome: Seeing Snowflakes, a Unique Visual Phenomenon Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Sarah Matthews1,2, Nathan Evanson1,2, Katherine Hogan2,3
1Department of Pediatric Rehab Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.
Clinical Case Reports
|August 9, 2026
Summary
Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) can follow mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Rehabilitation providers should consider VSS in their diagnosis for patients with mTBI to ensure proper eye evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) is a condition characterized by persistent visual disturbances.
- VSS can be triggered by various factors, including mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- Rehabilitation providers often encounter patients with a history of mTBI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of considering VSS in the differential diagnosis for patients with mTBI.
- To emphasize the role of rehabilitation providers in identifying potential VSS cases.
- To promote timely referrals to ophthalmology for VSS evaluation and diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- This study reviews the relationship between mTBI and VSS.
- It discusses the clinical presentation and diagnostic considerations for VSS in the context of TBI rehabilitation.
- The importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving rehabilitation and ophthalmology is emphasized.
Main Results:
- VSS is a recognized potential consequence of mTBI.
- Early identification of VSS by rehabilitation providers is crucial.
- Prompt ophthalmological referral leads to accurate diagnosis and management.
Conclusions:
- Rehabilitation providers must include VSS in their differential diagnosis for patients with mTBI.
- Integrating VSS assessment into TBI rehabilitation protocols can improve patient outcomes.
- Collaboration between rehabilitation specialists and ophthalmologists is essential for managing VSS post-mTBI.
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