INFO-VSS study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Neurophysiological Fingerprint Of Visual Snow Syndrome: a TMS-EEG study.
IRAS ID
289239
Contact name
Francesca Puledda
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a highly unrecognized condition of neurological origin, which can be extremely disabling for sufferers. It is characterized by chronic unremitting visual symptoms that occupy the entire visual field. Up to three-quarters of patients with VSS have been found to have a concomitant migraine diagnosis, and the relationship between these two conditions has not been fully elucidated. Valid treatment options for VSS are currently lacking, mostly because its underlying pathophysiology remains elusive.
Through the use of non-invasive neurophysiology, this study will help deepen the understanding of the basic neurobiology of VSS, and hopefully allow to identify possible biomarkers for future targeted therapeutic approaches. In particular, the combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) will be used to compare the brain responses of patients with VSS, compared to those of healthy volunteers and migraineurs.
This is a single-site study which will take place within the Clinical Research Facility at King's College Hospital. The study will last up to 15 months. Participants will undergo a single study visit, where they will have a medical history taken, a physical examination and complete various questionnaires to collect valuable data on their condition. Finally they will undergo an experimental session where brain responses will be recorded with high-density EEG and TMS-EEG.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0134
Date of REC Opinion
2 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion